Arne Slot ‘understands’ Liverpool fans booing after draw with Burnley
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Arne Slot ‘Understands’ Liverpool Fans Booing After Draw with Burnley
Liverpool played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026, prompting boos from the home fans at full time. Head coach Arne Slot acknowledged the supporters' disappointment, stating he understands their frustration after his side dropped points despite dominating possession against Burnley's stubborn low block.[2][3]
Slot made six changes to the lineup from the midweek FA Cup win over Barnsley, bringing back Alisson Becker, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konate, and Florian Wirtz. Liverpool probed relentlessly but struggled to break down Burnley's 5-4-1 defense. A penalty was awarded on the half-hour mark after Cody Gakpo was fouled by Florentino Luis, but Dominik Szoboszlai blasted it against the crossbar.[2][3]
The Reds finally broke through in the 42nd minute. Ekitike's touch from Virgil van Dijk's long ball led to a shot saved by the keeper; Curtis Jones recycled it for Florian Wirtz to smash home his fourth goal in six appearances, showcasing his flair against compact defenses.[2][3]
The second half mirrored the first with Liverpool attacking, but Burnley equalized in the 65th minute through Marcus Edwards' low strike—the visitors' only shot on target—exposing Liverpool's game management issues. Ekitike had a goal disallowed for offside, and late substitutes Alexis Mac Allister, Rio Ngumoha, and Andy Robertson couldn't salvage a winner despite pressure.[2][3]
The result marks Liverpool's fourth straight draw and sixth in their last ten unbeaten Premier League games, leaving them fourth but vulnerable in the Champions League race, five points off second-placed Manchester City. Fans vented online, with some declaring "Arne Slot needs to go" amid growing unrest over dropped points against low blocks. Slot's measured response highlighted the need for better control, though post-match interviews promised more insight.[1][4][5]
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