Liverpool restored their two-point lead at the top of the table with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Burnley thanks to goals from Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

After Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Everton earlier in the day, Liverpool knew that only a victory would take them back to the summit, and despite being unconvincing in large spells, they did enough to secure another three points and remain top for another week.

How the match unfolded 

Liverpool made five changes from their defeat to Arsenal last Sunday, with Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Nunez coming in. 

Burnley made three alterations as Maxime Esteve and Hannes Delcroix came into defence while David Datro Fofana, who scored twice last time out against Fulham, made his first start for the club.

After a slow start, Liverpool began to assert pressure on Burnley’s goal by forcing a series of corners.And in the 31st minute, they made a set-piece count as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s outswinging ball was met by Jota, who had the simple task of heading the ball into an empty net after Burnley ‘keeper James Trafford failed to claim the ball.

Alexander-Arnold’s assist meant it was his 58th in the Premier League, the most by any defender in the competition.

Trafford made amends moments later as he denied Diaz at the near post before Burnley shocked Anfield by levelling the score in the 45th minute through Dara O’Shea, who scored his first Premier League goal after planting his header in the top-right corner.

Liverpool made a half-time substitution as Harvey Elliott came on for Alexander-Arnold and the former had a quick impact after producing a cross that found the head of Diaz, who restored the Reds’ lead in the 52nd minute.

Burnley had three great chances to level the score in quick succession. First Fofana shot straight at Kelleher after racing through on goal before Wilson Odobert shot the rebound wide. Moments later Fofana was through on goal again but this time steered his shot wide.

The match opened up and Jota forced a good save from Trafford before Quansah’s strike narrowly missed the frame of the goal.

Liverpool then put the contest out of Burnley’s reach when Nunez planted his header into the bottom corner from Elliott’s cross in the 79th minute.

A third straight league win at Anfield puts Liverpool on 54 points, two more than second-placed City. Burnley remain 19th with 13 points, seven adrift of Luton Town in 17th.

Club reports

Liverpool report | Burnley report

Match officials

Referee: Tim Robinson. Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh. Fourth official: Tom Bramall. VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: Marc Perry.