EPL: Liverpool Edges Burnley 1-0 in Thrilling Premier League Match

Mohamed Salah's penalty wins it for Liverpool against Burnley

Liverpool secures a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley thanks to Mohamed Salah's late penalty. Read the match report and highlights.

“We don't give up. We try and push ourselves to the limit, and as a team, we did that...”

Liverpool secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, thanks to Mohamed Salah's stoppage-time penalty. This win extends Liverpool's perfect start to the season, marking the third time they've won each of their four opening Premier League games. The Reds have now accumulated 12 points, three clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

The first half was a challenging period for Liverpool, with Burnley employing a disciplined 5-4-1 formation that frustrated the visitors. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear chances, with Ibrahima Konaté heading over from close range and Hugo Ekitike flicking a shot wide. Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka made crucial saves to keep his team on level terms.

The match's dynamics shifted when Lesley Ugochukwu received his second yellow card in the 84th minute, reducing Burnley to ten men. However, it wasn't until deep into stoppage time that the breakthrough came, as Hannibal Mejbri's handball gave away a penalty. Salah calmly converted the spot-kick, securing the win and moving into fourth on the all-time Premier League goalscorers list with 188 goals.

 

Liverpool leave it late AGAIN! 😅

They're now 4/4, all of their winning goals have been in the 83rd minute or later! pic.twitter.com/GoXgw7tjqO

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 14, 2025

Burnley put up a strong defensive display, with Jaidon Anthony providing an early glimpse of their attacking potential. After a swift transition, Anthony's shot sailed over the bar, showcasing the visitors' threat. Despite Liverpool's dominance in possession, Burnley's defense held firm, frustrating the Reds' attacking efforts.

The home crowd at Turf Moor was highly vocal, making their presence felt throughout the match. They expressed their discontent when referee Michael Oliver allowed Alexis Mac Allister to stay on the pitch despite a lengthy treatment for an injury. The atmosphere turned even more heated when Milos Kerkez attempted to win a penalty with a questionable dive, earning him a booking. The crowd's ire was somewhat placated when Kerkez was substituted off in the 38th minute, marking the first tactical substitution of his Premier League career under Arne Slot.

The first half was characterized by Liverpool's struggles to break down Burnley's defense. Despite Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike's creative efforts, they barely troubled goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka. The Reds' attacking play lacked cohesion, and Burnley goalkeeper Dúbravka was rarely tested.

Liverpool's determination increased after the break, with Ryan Gravenberch's powerful volley coming close to finding the back of the net. The introduction of substitutes brought fresh energy to the team, with Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson combining in a promising attack. Although Bradley's headed effort was deflected wide, it showed the team's renewed intent to score.

Burnley had not lost a competitive home match since May 2024, boasting an impressive record of 16 wins and 9 draws. However, their streak was put to the test against Liverpool, with the visitors creating scoring opportunities despite Burnley's solid defense. Florian Wirtz's wide shot and Dominik Szoboszlai's long-range effort that forced a save from Burnley goalkeeper showcased Liverpool's attacking prowess.

The second half saw Liverpool adopt a more purposeful approach, dominating possession and creating chances. Nevertheless, Burnley's defense held firm, limiting Liverpool to few clear-cut opportunities. As the match neared its conclusion, it seemed likely that Burnley would emerge victorious, given their defensive resilience.

Just when Burnley thought they had secured the win, Hannibal Mejbri's handball in the box gave Liverpool a penalty kick opportunity, dramatically altering the course of the game. This pivotal moment allowed Liverpool to capitalize and potentially snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Mohamed Salah, as expected, calmly converted the penalty from 12 yards, sending the away supporters into ecstasy and securing a late win for Liverpool. This victory showcased the Egyptian's clinical finishing ability, which has been a hallmark of his career.

Despite a commendable display, Burnley remain significantly behind Liverpool in their head-to-head record. The Clarets have lost 15 of their 19 Premier League encounters with the Reds, underscoring the challenge they face in matches between these two teams. Burnley's recent struggles in the top flight are evident, with three defeats in their last four games.

The win propels Liverpool to the top of the league table, three points clear of their nearest rivals. This early-season success highlights the team's strong start, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.

Post-Match Reaction

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised his team's resilience, saying, “It wasn't a perfect performance, but the players kept pushing until the end. That determination is what got us the result.” Salah also commended his teammates for their work ethic, stating, “We don't give up. We try and push ourselves to the limit, and as a team, we did that.”

Describe your team's start to the season in one word ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uZcUeMlMxD

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 14, 2025