With the first international break of the season done and dusted, the Reds reunited at the Axa, ready for a trip down to Turf Moor, Burnley. The Clarets, now reinvented and reimagined under Scott Parker, will be aiming for another season in the Premier League, after returning to England’s top flight this

Caught the bus just in time! 

When going down to Burnley in the past you always knew what to expect, under managers like Sean Dyche, it was always a physical battle, with the sole purpose of defending like their lives depended on it. Now teams like Burnley sum up why the Premier League is the hardest league in the world, as any side can cause the big boys trouble, especially on their own turf and wow did we see that in full display again.

The Clarets, now under the management of Scott Parker, were known to have a bit more attacking intent in their playing style when compared to the days of Dyche. However, on a grey Sunday afternoon at Turf Moor, we saw prime Burnley ball make a full revival, as the stadium seemed to have been mistaken for a bus stop, double deckers parked everywhere!

But before all that, Reds fans had already received some disappointing news when the team sheet was announced an hour before kick off, as new signing Alexander Isak was a name noticeably missing from the 20-man travelling squad. When looking back, it makes total sense why Slot decided not to include the Swedish international as he has only had one full training session with the first team so far. It’s important to say that Arne did reveal that Isak is expected to be involved, at the latest on Sunday in the derby, but could even be as early as Atletico in the Champions League on Wednesday, so fingers crossed!

Aside from the speculation about Isak, there was another reason that Reds from all over the world were very excited for today’s game, and no it wasn’t to see all the Burnley tourist attraction, but in fact that debut of our third kit. Officially announced during the international break after months and months of the leaks, the retro style green kit was finally in the public domain and it’s fair to say it has been an instant hit amongst LFC faithful. The shade of green with the faded stripes, alongside the clean collar and cuffs, finished off with the Adidas Originals logo on the right pec make it a sight to behold. The lads better make sure they win in this kit, it’s too nice to become unlucky. That’s how you do a green kit Nike (Minecraft kit I’m looking at you).

When thinking of the Burnley of old under Sean Dyche, my mind wanders to harsh tackles and time wasting galore, however under Scott Parker I expected something more fresh, more inventive. Well I was definitely wrong there. A whole fleet of buses had parked themselves right in front of Martin Dúbravka’s goal, setting us Reds on track for 90 minutes of pain as the ball was passed between the centre-half’s and Gravenberch so many times I thought I was watching the same moment over and over again, it was that repetitive. That’s could be conceived as an insult or criticism of Parker and his tactics for the game, but to be honest I understand why he approached the match that way. The last time the 44-year-old manager faced Liverpool, during his time with Bournemouth, he ended up losing 9-0, which consequently led him into the owners office for the sacking chat, so no wonder he was cautious. Though I don’t think anyone expected Burnley to park the bus as much as they did.

The game ended with the Reds having 81% possession and to be honest it felt like it should’ve been more, with the Clarets only really having one push towards Alisson’s goal on that came in the first 10 minutes. After that the Brazilian goalkeeper could’ve gone off for a cup of tea and no one would’ve noticed! Really in terms of describing the action, the main passage of play was passing around the edge of the Burnley box, trying to find an opening and with 11 men sat in their own 18-yard box that opening is going to be hard to find. Patience and passing the key words of the day. 

The best chance of the first half came from Hugo Ekitike, who drove past his man on the left flank, cutting inside and rolling the ball across the box which bent round the post, while a planted Dúbravka watched on – a lucky escape for the host and definitely a sign that the Frenchman has the attributes to play on the left wing. Apart from that the champions were kept quite quiet, with some nice passing play but not much to show for it. Ryan Gravenberch the standout player in the first 45, silky in the middle as we have become so accustomed to him being, but still no goal for the Reds efforts. 

The second half started fairly the same, as a reshuffle in midfield meant that Dominik Szoboszlai was paired with Gravenberch, with Bradley replacing Alexis Mac Allister who came off at half time, though it didn’t look like it’s an injury but more tactical which is a big positive.

As time ticked on the defence of Burnley continued to keep the champions out and really limit them in terms of obvious chances. Szoboszlai made the goalkeeper work the most, with a shot from outside the box which forced the 36-year-old into a save, though really it was one for the cameras if we are honest. The final role of the dice from the Dutchman on the sidelines was Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong, a duo full of pace and flair, however with only 5 minutes of normal time to play many thought this might be too little too late from Slot. 

The subs definitely impacted the tired Burnley defence, now down to ten men thanks to a second yellow card for Ugochukwu. Rio played a lovely ball across the box to fellow sub Frimpong on the right, who shot was palmed away by the keeper, though the power on the attempt was limited due to the speed of the defenders in closing the Dutchman down, a pattern that had been a constant the whole game. 

As time seemed to be up and the 100% win record this season evaporating into the Turf Moor air the Reds continued to push to the end, though this time it looked like the champions would fall short. However, this team can’t be written off until that final whistle is blown. They definitely have adopted that trait from the Klopp side’s of old. 

Jeremie Frimpong picked the ball up on the edge of the box and his immediate thought – cross. Which he did, though the cross never made it into the mixer. Ironically, former Manchester United youth academy player Hannibal Mejbri was there to block it, but something unexpected happened. The ball was fired forward by the Dutchman, right into the arm of the ex-United lad. penalty! Not even Michael Oliver couldn’t give it – a stone wall handball.

And now the pressure hit. Immediately a dread filled my stomach and I couldn’t be the only one as we all knew who was taking it, Mo Salah. Now don’t get me wrong I love Mo, but this season so far he has had two penalties and both have been sent miles over the bar. That couldn’t happen this time, not after we had been given this lifeline for three points. Thankfully Mo has more bottle than me, as the Egyptian smashed the ball to Dúbravka’s left, past the diving keeper. YES!

That was pretty much it. Another last minute winner for the Reds. 90+5, incredible. Is it cause for concern, perhaps. But I would rather look at it as the sign of champions, winning when you shouldn’t or aren’t playing your best, that’s what champions do and we have definitely done that in abundance so far this season. Though it can’t keep happening like this, my blood pressure can’t cope with this level of stress up to three times a week. I’m sure the Merseyside derby next weekend won’t be stressful – ha, if only! 

Europe is back

Although we have the big local derby in a weeks time, the Reds play a massive match against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. Mid week football in Europe under the lights is back, lovely! However playing against a Simeone side is never fun and Slot knows this more than anyone, after he had a viral argument with the Madrid manager during his days at Feyenoord, just search it up it’s quite funny! 

All 60,000 plus Reds going to Anfield on Wednesday will be praying that they were there to see the debut of Alexander Isak. Honestly, he might get some minutes, Slot has openly said it’s possible, though they will definitely be limited as we don’t want our new superstar to get injured after having no preseason – thanks for that Newcastle. 

But it will most certainly be a big test for Arne’s boys, playing one of Europe’s toughest teams, though Anfield will be in full voice to aid them I’m sure. 

There is just something right when Liverpool play in Europe, it feels pure and exciting. And this team definitely has the firepower to get the three points against the Spanish side, though it will not be easy. Let’s just hope they don’t sit back quite as much as Burnley. I don’t think I can watch another 90 minutes of that. 

Whatever happens it’s great just to have the Champions League back after our run was cut short last year by eventual champions PSG in the round of 16. It’s fair to say I’m hyped – play the champions league music!