Liverpool vs Burnley LIVE: Florian Wirtz Opens Scoring After Dominik Szoboszlai Penalty Miss

Anfield, January 17, 2026 – Liverpool hosted Burnley in a Premier League clash at Anfield, with the Reds aiming to extend their unbeaten run to a dozen games. Despite missing key players like Mohamed Salah on international duty and several injured stars including Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, and new signing Alexander Isak, Liverpool dominated early proceedings.[2][4]

The match exploded into life when Liverpool earned a penalty in the 12th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up but saw his effort saved by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, leaving the Anfield crowd stunned. However, the Reds didn't dwell on the miss. Moments later, Florian Wirtz – Liverpool's summer acquisition – latched onto a rebound and rifled home the opener, sending the Kop into raptures. The scoreline reflected Liverpool's control: 1-0 at halftime.[1][3]

Burnley, struggling in 20th place with just 13 points from 21 games and a league-worst -19 goal difference, fought back valiantly. Standout performers Quilindschy Hartman (3 assists) and H Ekitike (8 goals) posed threats, but Liverpool's defense, led by Ibrahima Konate, held firm. Alisson secured his 5th clean sheet, while Burnley's Kyle Walker picked up a yellow card.[2][3]

Key Stats & Context

• Liverpool: 10W-5D-6L, 35 pts (7th in PL); Recent form: W4-1 vs BSY, D0-0 vs ARS.[2][3]
• Burnley: 3W-4D-14L, 13 pts (20th); Form: W5-1 vs MLW, D2-2 vs MUN.[2][3]
• Odds heavily favored Liverpool (-457), over/under 2.5 goals at -186 over.[2]
• Injuries plagued both: Burnley without Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni; Liverpool missing multiple midfielders.[4]

As full-time approached, Wirtz's strike proved decisive, with Mohamed Salah absent but his influence felt in Liverpool's 10-goal tally from him this season. Burnley battled but couldn't breach Alisson, ending their hopes of an upset. Final score: Liverpool 1-0 Burnley. The win keeps Liverpool's top-four push alive amid a congested schedule.[1][5]

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