Liverpool Survive Turf Moor Test: Salah the Savior Once Again
Liverpool’s trip to Turf Moor was never going to be just another Premier League fixture. Against Burnley, statistics and possession often mean little — it’s a battle of grit, persistence, and patience. On this September afternoon, Arne Slot’s side were dragged into exactly that kind of war. They emerged with three points, but only thanks to Mohamed Salah, who once again rose in the final minutes to turn tension into triumph. His stoppage-time penalty silenced Turf Moor, sparked delirium in the away end, and kept Liverpool’s title charge on track.
First-Half Struggles
From the outset, Liverpool controlled the ball, pinned Burnley deep, and dictated tempo. Yet for all their dominance, they lacked incision. Turf Moor roared with every clearance, and chance after chance slipped away. The visitors pushed relentlessly, but it felt as though they were pounding on a locked door.
At the other end, Alisson Becker was largely a bystander, barely tested but always alert to the danger of a smash-and-grab. His performance was steady rather than spectacular — a six out of ten afternoon where concentration mattered more than saves.
Tactical Risks and Defensive Doubts
Arne Slot’s tactical choices nearly cost Liverpool. Deploying Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back stifled the Hungarian’s creativity. He worked hard defensively but looked uncomfortable, and Liverpool missed his spark in midfield. Once moved back into his natural role, Szoboszlai was transformed, threading passes and driving forward with purpose — a performance that ultimately merited a seven.
At centre-back, Virgil van Dijk handled Burnley’s aerial threat with his usual composure, though not without nervy moments. Jarell Quansah battled bravely but showed signs of inexperience, sometimes caught out of position. Their partnership did enough, but the absence of Ibrahima Konaté was noticeable.
Full-backs told a different story. Andrew Robertson delivered his trademark energy and drive, a tireless seven. But it was Jeremie Frimpong who made the biggest difference. His constant runs stretched Burnley, his dangerous crosses unsettled defenders, and it was his stoppage-time delivery that led to Hannibal Mejbri’s handball. An eight for persistence and impact.
Midfield Control, Attacking Frustration
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister anchored play with calm efficiency, recycling possession and keeping Liverpool ticking — a solid seven. Curtis Jones provided energy and pressing, though without decisive quality, rating a six and a half.
Up front, Hugo Ekitike disappointed. Handed the chance to lead the line, he vanished for long stretches, failing to hold up play or trouble the Burnley defence. A five reflects a performance that raised questions about Slot’s decision to start him ahead of new signing Alexander Isak.
Salah’s Defining Moment
For much of the match, even Mohamed Salah cut a frustrated figure. His dribbles were blocked, his shots smothered, and his influence muted. Yet champions are remembered for moments, not minutes. And in the 95th, his moment arrived.
Frimpong’s cross struck Mejbri’s raised arm, the referee pointed to the spot, and Turf Moor erupted in fury. Salah stood calm amid the chaos. He blocked out the noise, stared down the goalkeeper, and buried the penalty with trademark cool. The away end exploded, and Liverpool escaped with a priceless 1-0 win. For his match-winning composure, Salah earned a nine.
The Bigger Picture
As the final whistle blew, Slot’s relief was clear. His tactical gambles had flirted with disaster, but Salah’s brilliance papered over the cracks. The performance exposed Liverpool’s flaws — a fragile defence without Konaté, an unsettled attack without Isak, and a reliance on Salah that remains as strong as ever.
Yet in the end, champions are measured not only by dominant wins but by gritty, ugly victories in hostile environments. Turf Moor tested Liverpool to their limits, and they survived.
Player Ratings
- Alisson – 6
- Szoboszlai – 7 (transformed once in midfield)
- Van Dijk – 7
- Quansah – 6
- Robertson – 7
- Frimpong – 8
- Mac Allister – 7
- Jones – 6.5
- Ekitike – 5
- Salah – 9 (the savior)
Conclusion
This was not beautiful football. It was survival. It was resilience. It was a reminder that title-winning sides must endure afternoons like these — hostile crowds, stubborn defences, and moments of doubt. And when the pressure peaked, it was Salah who carried Liverpool once again.
Three points, Turf Moor silenced, Liverpool still unbeaten. Not just a win — a champion’s escape.
