Liverpool at Risk of Breaking Unwanted Record Against Burnley

Liverpool faced the threat of matching a dismal 45-year Anfield record by failing to defeat Burnley, a struggling promoted side, in their Premier League clash on January 17, 2026. Heading into the match, Arne Slot's reigning champions risked extending a run of three consecutive draws against promoted teams at home, potentially equaling a low not seen since 1981.[8][1]

The game unfolded as a one-sided affair dominated by Liverpool, who controlled 73% possession, fired 32 shots (7 on target), and generated 3.18 expected goals (xG), yet managed only a frustrating 1-1 draw. Burnley, winless in 13 Premier League matches and sitting 19th with 14 points from 22 games, parked the bus in a 5-4-1 low block, mustering just 7 shots and 0.40 xG.[1][4][5]

Liverpool broke through in the 42nd minute thanks to a virtuoso display from Florian Wirtz, who smashed home after a sequence involving Hugo Ekitike's byline work and Curtis Jones' recycled effort—his fourth goal in seven games. This followed a missed penalty by Dominik Szoboszlai, who struck the crossbar from 12 yards after a soft foul on Cody Gakpo.[1][2]

Disaster struck in the 65th minute when Marcus Edwards equalized with Burnley's sole shot on target, lobbing a low effort past Alisson after Ibrahima Konaté failed to close him down. Despite late pressure, including chances at 74', 78', 85', and 90+ minutes, Liverpool couldn't regain the lead, extending their winless streak against promoted sides.[1][4][5]

The result leaves Liverpool on 36 points from 22 games (10-6-6), four draws in a row, and vulnerable in the title race. Critics highlighted Slot's side's recurring inability to break down deep defenses, turning dominance into dropped points.[1][7][10]

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