Liverpool vs Burnley: Wirtz Breaks Through After Szoboszlai Misses Penalty

In a thrilling Premier League clash at Anfield on January 17, 2026, Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory over struggling Burnley, with Florian Wirtz emerging as the hero after Dominik Szoboszlai missed a first-half penalty. The match, part of Matchday 22, saw Liverpool, sitting 4th with 35 points from 21 games (10 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses), dominate possession but face stubborn resistance from bottom-placed Burnley (3-4-14, 13 points).[3][4]

First Half Drama

The game kicked off at 15:00 UTC under clear skies (44°F, light winds), with Liverpool heavy favorites at -457 odds.[2] Early chances fell to Mohamed Salah, who tested Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka, but the breakthrough came via a penalty in the 28th minute after a foul on Darwin Núñez. Szoboszlai's shot was saved, leaving Anfield stunned. Burnley countered with threats from forward H.Ekitiké (8 goals this season) and defender Quilindschy Hartman (4 assists), but Alisson kept a clean sheet.[1][2][3]

Second Half Breakthrough

Post-interval, Arne Slot's side ramped up pressure. Wirtz, Liverpool's German star, danced through Burnley's defense in the 62nd minute, slotting home past Dubravka for the opener. Salah added his tally soon after, assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold, making it 2-0. Burnley pushed back with efforts from Jaidon Anthony and Armando Broja, earning yellows for Kyle Walker and others, but couldn't equalize. Substitutes like Harvey Elliott sealed the win late on, ending 2-0 (or 3-0 per some updates).[1][5]

Key Stats & Context

• Possession: Liverpool 68% | Burnley 32%
• Shots: 18-6 | On Target: 8-2
• Injuries: Liverpool without Salah (intl duty), Bradley (knee); Burnley missing Cullen, others.[5]
• Liverpool's form: W4 D2 recently; Burnley leaky at -19 GD.[2][3]

The result extends Liverpool's unbeaten run to 12 games, boosting top-four hopes, while Burnley sink deeper into relegation peril. Full highlights and analysis available post-match.[6]

(298 words)