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Premier League
Aug 20, 2016 at 3pm UK
 
Liverpool logo

2-0

Vokes (2'), Gray (37')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Live Commentary: Burnley 2-0 Liverpool - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's text commentary of Burnley's 2-0 win over Liverpool at Turf Moor.
2

Burnley earned their first Premier League win over Liverpool in their fifth attempt as they sealed a 2-0 win over the Reds at Turf Moor this afternoon.

Before today, the Clarets had not scored a league goal against the Merseyside outfit, but Sam Vokes and Andre Gray put that right.

Jurgen Klopp's side failed to respond, despite creating 26 shots at goal, while Sean Dyche's men only produced three.

Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's updates below.


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Happy Saturday everyone! We have reached the second round of Premier League fixtures, with seven games gracing the calendar today. Right here, we will be focusing on the match between Burnley, who sealed promotion back to the top flight by winning the Championship in May, and Liverpool, who finished eighth in the standings last season. Today's match was meant to be staged at Anfield but construction work on the new Main Stand is still being done, so Burnley have agreed to host it at Turf Moor.

Today's teams had very different starts to the season last weekend. Burnley came up against Francesco Guidolin's Swansea City, and despite Sean Dyche's team putting in a lot of hard work on the pitch, they were undone by a single goal scored by Leroy Fer. As for Liverpool, well it wasn't a simple start, that's for sure! After going 1-0 down, Philippe Coutinho brought the Reds level just before the half-time whistle. Following the break, Jurgen Klopp's side took control as Adam Lallana, Coutinho and Sadio Mane put the Reds 3-1 ahead. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Callum Chambers began a revival for Arsenal, but it was not enough to get any points from the game.

Right, before we go any further, I think it's time that we bring you the lineups for both sides. We'll begin with the hosts...

BURNLEY XI: Heaton; Ward, Mee, Keane, Lowton; Boyd, Marney, Defour, Arfield; Gray, Vokes
Subs: Kightly, Jutkiewicz, O'Neill, Gudmundsson, Tarkowski, Darikwa, Robinson

LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Henderson, Wijnaldum; Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho; Sturridge
Subs: Manninger, Can, Origi, Matip, Moreno, Stewart, Grujic

The big news for Burnley is that club-record signing Steven Defour goes straight into the staring lineup! The Belgian enters the midfield, replacing David Jones, who left the club earlier this week to join Sheffield Wednesday. That is the only change to the team that were beaten 1-0 by Swansea last weekend.

Jurgen Klopp has made two changes to his Liverpool team. As expected, Sadio Mane misses out this afternoon altogether because of a shoulder injury, meaning that Daniel Sturridge returns to the lineup having been left out of last weekend's clash against Arsenal because of a hip injury. He will lead the line for Liverpool, resulting in Roberto Firmino sitting deeper. The other change is in defence as left-back Alberto Moreno is dropping in favour of James Milner, who has shaken off a knock to start this afternoon.

As mentioned, Steven Defour is handed his debut this afternoon. The Belgium international joined the Clarets earlier this week from Anderlecht in a club-record deal thought to be worth £7.5m. Their previous record was the £6m that they spent to sign Andre Gray last summer. Considering that a large number of top-flight clubs are spending in excess of £30m on players, £7.5m may not seem like much, but for a club like Burnley, it's a big sign of intent, particularly as the player they bought was once linked to Manchester United and Everton.

Steven Defour of Belgium celebrates his goal during the 2014 World Cup Group A qualifying football match between Scotland and Belgium at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 6, 2013© Getty Images


When speaking about the sum earlier this week, Dyche told reporters: "We all worked hard to get the deal done eventually.

"In the Premier League world, the numbers that get bandied around for us seems really small, but for us, they are actually big for a club like Burnley. The rest of the Premier League are probably going, 'Why aren't they are just getting on with those deals?'

"For us, it's a big thing to spend millions of pounds. For others, it's just like, 'Park that, let's move on and get another one in'. That's the vast difference in the market."

Sean Dyche of Burnley looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Burnley at City Ground on October 20, 2015© Getty Images


As well as incomings, there have been a few departures from Turf Moor this week. Luke Hendrie sealed a loan move to Kilmarnock until January, while David Jones left the club following a three-year spell to join Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

The main aim for Burnley this season is retaining their Premier League status. This is their third stint in the top flight in seven years, but Dyche alluded to gulf in financial power between his club and others in the division. Money talks and it tends to be the case that those with financial clout will do better than those with emptier pockets. Although, let's not forget Leicester City's shock Premier League title win from last season. Could Burnley repeat that success?!

Let's not get ahead of ourselves... If they are to do something as astonishing as finishing in the top four, they will need to improve on their performance from the opening weekend. Dyche's side are hard grafters, but against Swansea they lacked flare and that clinical touch in front of goal.

Andre Gray and Sam Vokes were the main attacking threats for Burnley, but out of 10 shots from the team, only three were on target. They saw less of the ball too - 47% compared to Swansea's 53% - and it was Leroy Fer's 82nd-minute goal that was the difference. They're fine margins but they can be the difference between winning and losing, so Burnley need to take their chances when they can.

It may be difficult for them to do, though, as they have failed to score in eight of their last 10 matches in the Premier League. In addition to that, a goal has not been scored by Burnley in their last five top-flight matches at Turf Moor. That doesn't sound good, particularly as they have never scored a Premier League goal against Liverpool. In fact, they have lost all of their four meetings with the Reds. Eeek!

DID YOU KNOW? Burnley's loss to Swansea last Saturday ended a 23-match unbeaten streak. The last time that they suffered back-to-back league defeats was in the 2014-15 when they lost four games on the bounce.

Right, let's switch our attention to Liverpool, shall we? First things first - let's bring you the news that Christian Benteke has left the club. It was confirmed this morning that the striker has joined Crystal Palace on a four-year deal. The fee has not been disclosed, but it is believed that the Reds have accepted a £27m bid rising to £32m, which means that they will recoup most of what they paid Aston Villa last summer.

It was a disappointing spell at Anfield for Benteke as he was forced to spend most of his time at the club on the bench. He ended up scoring 10 goals in 42 games, but when Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in October, the Belgian drifted down the pecking order, with Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi listed above him. Roberto Firmino was also often used as the focal point of attack instead of Benteke. His move to Anfield raised eyebrows and his position became even less secure when Rodgers left as he was never really going to fit into Klopp's system.

Christian Benteke of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and A.F.C. Bournemouth at Anfield on August 17, 2015© Getty Images


Keeping with transfers, there have been question marks over left-back Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard had a torrid time against Arsenal last weekend as he gave away a penalty and regularly drifted away from the players he should have been marking. At times last season, Moreno was guilty of rash challenges and it seems as though criticism is not far away where the former Sevilla player is concerned.

Liverpool have been linked with left-back's in the last few weeks, but recent reports have claimed that Klopp currently has no intention of buying a new player and, as we see today, will opt to drop James Milner into that role. It's an interesting decision from the German boss, particularly as Milner admitted during pre-season that it is not a favourite position of his.

The Reds' opening game against Arsenal last Sunday really was a game of two halves. In the first 45 minutes, Klopp's men were poor. The Gunners did not give Liverpool a moment's peace on the ball and it seemed as though it would be a matter of time before Arsenal scored. Arsene Wenger's side had an opportunity from the penalty spot, but Simon Mignolet saved Theo Walcott's attempt.

The England international managed to get past the keeper a few minutes later, though, to put Arsenal in the lead, but the momentum swung in Liverpool's direction when Coutinho scored an equaliser just before half time with a wonderful free kick. After the break, it was all Liverpool. They had more desire and scored some great individual and team goals, with Lallana, Mane and Coutinho adding another.

Mane particularly impressed as he showed what Liverpool missed last season. A winger with pace, who can run onto the ball and create goalscoring chances as well as bury them. Have a look at his goal in the video below:


Unfortunately for the Reds, a shoulder injury keeps Mane out of today's match, but Klopp is not concerned about it being a serious problem. Anyway, back to the Arsenal game. Liverpool looked like they were in cruise control, but they lost focus as a result and the Gunners managed to score two goals to produce a nervy ending to the match for Liverpool and their fans.

There are still questions marks over Mignolet's goalkeeping and the defence as a whole. Klopp had these concerns last season and it seems as though those problems continue to persist. The Reds sometimes struggle to kill off games and that's also what they need to work on if they want to break back into the top four this season.

STATS! Liverpool have kept just two clean sheets in their last 12 Premier League games. In that time they have conceded 17 goals, but on the flip side, they have not failed to find the back of the net in the league since losing 2-0 to Leicester City in February.

DID YOU KNOW? The Merseyside outfit have scored four or more goals in five top-flight matches this year, which is more than any other side in the division. All about attacking force for Klopp!

Ahead of the game, Klopp told reporters: "I was really pleased with the goals we scored at Arsenal. The free kick was genius, but all the other goals, it was like 36, 40 passes in a row. We never lost direction - always it's clear we only pass because we want to create offensive spaces.

"We need this in each game and against Burnley. But do we say if it doesn't work, then we have no chance? No. These games against lower-table opposition, it was always a different situation.

"We had these situations last season when we played well and talked about consistency, but can you really expect consistency in the situation we were in, playing these number of games?"

Jurgen Klopp gestures during the Europa League final between Liverpool and Sevilla on May 18, 2016© AFP


HEAD TO HEAD: We mentioned earlier that Burnley have lost all four matches against Liverpool, conceding 11 goals in the process. In addition, they have never scored against the Reds in the Premier League. In fact their last league win was a 1-0 triumph at Anfield in September 1974.

PREDICTION: Looking at the stats, you would say that Liverpool should get a result today relatively easily, but anything can happen on the day! Burnley struggled to produce threat in attacking areas against Swansea and given Liverpool's force in front, Klopp's men are expected to get on the scoresheet. Let's go for a 2-0 win for the Reds.


Right, we're a matter of minutes away from kickoff. Fingers crossed for a good game!

KICKOFF! We're underway at Turf Moor! Liverpool have the ball at the kickoff. Lee Mason is the referee for this one.

GOAL! BURNLEY 1-0 LIVERPOOL (VOKES)

Wow, what an unbelievable start for Burnley! After not scoring in four league matches against Liverpool, Sam Vokes gives the Clarets the lead inside two minutes! The hosts win the ball in the middle of the park before Gray finds Vokes. The forward turns on the edge of the box and hammers the ball past Mignolet.

CHANCE! Burnley come close to another goal when Gray charges through the final third. He sets himself up to take a shot, but Lovren puts in an excellent tackle to deny him.

The visitors are shell-shocked, but they try to get themselves into rhythm as Wijnaldum plays a ball over the top for Sturridge, but Mee gets there first.

Sturridge is back on the ball as he aims a long-range shot towards goal, but it gets deflected behind for a corner, which is comfortably cleared by the Clarets.

Coutinho gets involved by cutting inside and unleashes a 25-yard curling shot, but instead of nestling into the top corner, the balls flies high over the crossbar.

The Reds are getting some more time on the ball, but they're not making the most of it at the moment. Firmino rolls the ball for Coutinho to get on the end of on the edge of the penalty area and proceeds to go for goal, but he misses the target again.

Liverpool come again as Coutinho's releases Lallana, who tries to find Firmino at the far post, but it gets cut out and goes for a corner, which Burnley clear.

It's been a frustrating afternoon for Liverpool so far. Chasing the game early has thrown their gameplan out of whack. They have had the majority of possession, but Burnley are doing well to deny them an equaliser.

Coutinho spots Sturridge's run and sends the ball forward for the striker, but Heaton spots it too and manages to come off his line in time to collect the ball.

Clyne tries to make something happen on the right-hand side as he crosses low into the box, but Mee is there to scoop the ball away.

SAVE! Lallana gets on the end of Milner's ball into the box and he makes a swift turn before shooting at goal, but Heaton makes a crucial stop.

Liverpool play a corner short and Milner delivers it to Lallana on the edge of the area. The midfielder cuts inside and gets a shot away, but it deflects into Heaton's path.

Burnley fans aren't happy! Their team were in a good position to counter but the referee blows up for a Liverpool free kick following a lunging challenge from Marney on Wijnaldum.

Clyne feeds in Sturridge, who has space to run towards the edge of the area. He delivers a shot, aiming for the far post, but the ball bobbles behind for a goal kick. The Reds haven't quite turned it on yet, despite all their possession.

Coutinho tries to play in Wijnaldum but he overhits the pass and the ball drifts behind the line for a goal kick.

Liverpool come again as Milner lifts the ball into the box, but Lowton heads clear. Seconds later, Lowton gives away a corner, and it's poor from Liverpool as Arfield cuts it out after Milner opted to play it short.

GOAL! BURNLEY 2-0 LIVERPOOL (GRAY)

Great counter-attack from Burnley! They have been on the back foot for the majority of the half, but they now find themselves two goals to the good! Defour does well to nick the ball back in the middle of the park before playing it forward to Gray, who gets through Henderson and Klavan before sending a low drive into the far post.

Liverpool have more of an uphill struggle now! Clyne drives down the right before whipping in a cross, but Mee hooks it away at the near post.

CHANCE! Coutinho finds space in the box before unleashing a shot, but it's a disappointing effort as the ball flies over the bar.

Sturridge gets in at the far post waiting for Milner, who sends the ball high to meet him, but the referee blows his whistle for Sturridge's push on Ward.

HALF-TIME: BURNLEY 2-0 LIVERPOOL

Burnley head into the interval with a 2-0 lead following a second-minute strike from Sam Vokes and 37th-minute goal from Andre Gray. The Clarets, who had never scored against Liverpool in the Premier League before today, were on the backfoot for most of the game, but took their chances when it counted. Jurgen Klopp's men were stunned after conceding early and since then have been chasing the game, and despite having most of the possession, they lacked a clinical edge and the final touches of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho were disappointing. Can Liverpool respond in the second half or will Burnley add more to their tally?

RESTART! Burnley get the second half underway at Turf Moor!

Liverpool get a slice of luck as an attempted clearing header bounces into the path of Sturridge, who sends a low shot, aiming for the far corner, but he drags it wide.

Gray hits the deck following a tussle with Lovren, but he seems well enough to continue. The referee stops play, but sees that there is no harm done and Liverpool get the ball back.

SAVE! Some lovely link-up play between Sturridge and Wijnaldum as the latter tees up Coutinho, but the Brazilian's first-time shot goes straight into the hands of Heaton.

SAVE! Heaton had to work harder to make this stop! Firmino aims for the top corner from 30 yards out, but the keeper leaps across to push it clear.

Some more frustration for Liverpool as Sturridge goes for glory with a thumping effort which sails over the bar. Prior to that, though, the ball looked as if it hand gone out for a Burnley throw, but none of the linesman flagged.

BURNLEY SUB: The hosts make the first substitution of the game as Defour's debut comes to an end and Gudmundsson replaces him.

Liverpool win a corner and as it drops outside of the penalty area, Coutinho goes for goal with a volley, but he slices it wide.

Liverpool continue to work the ball around the area, but Burnley are dropping deeper and deeper to prevent their opponents from having space. A ball is played high for Sturridge in the box, but it bounces behind him and across the face of goal, where nobody else is there to latch on.

Henderson is on the ball as he delivered in a low cross into the penalty box, but Keane comfortably clears.

An eighth corner for Liverpool is delivered in by Henderson. Heaton comes off his line to claim and ends up pushing it behind for another corner, which is poorly taken by Lallana who gives it away. Burnley go on a dangerous counter-attack, but Liverpool track back to clear.

LIVERPOOL SUB: It's the end of Sturridge's afternoon. Origi comes on in his place.

BOOKING! It's the first yellow card of the afternoon and it goes to Henderson for fouling Gudmundson after giving the ball away in midfield.

CHANCE! Once again, Liverpool lose the ball and Burnley threaten instantly. Lawton squares it to Gray, who strikes with his left foot, but the ball curls wide.

Gray tries to break into penalty area, but Liverpool's defenders surround him and snatch the ball back.

DOUBLE CHANGE FOR LIVERPOOL: Klopp takes off Milner and Lallana and on comes Moreno and Grujic. Moreno has been heavily criticised for his defensive qualities, but without him and Sadio Mane this afternoon, Liverpool have lacked width.

SAVE! Grujic almost scores just a few minutes after coming on! The summer signing darts area from his marker before firing at goal, but Heaton tips the ball over the bar.

BURNLEY SUB: Goalscorer Vokes makes way for Jutkiewicz. It looks as though the hosts are going to see the game out.

We're entering the final five or so minutes of this game. Liverpool are running out of time. Coutinho gets lets a shot fly, but Keane blocks its path.

Mee, as he so often has this afternoon, clears a long ball hurled into the box searching for Origi.

Three minutes of time added on here at Turf Moor. Burnley look comfortable as they have done all match. They should be celebrating a great win in a few minutes' time...

BURNLEY SUB: Gray makes way for O'Neill. The forward is given a standing ovation by the home crowd.

FULL-TIME: BURNLEY 2-0 LIVERPOOL

The full-time whistle blows and it's a great win for Burnley, who claim their first league triumph over Liverpool since 1974! Sam Vokes and Andre Gray got on the scoresheet, and despite the Reds seeing more of the ball throughout the match, it was comfortable for the Clarets. As for Liverpool, it is an afternoon to forget. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!

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