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Liverpool vs Burnley: Wirtz Rockets Liverpool Ahead After Szoboszlai Misses Pen – LIVE!
Anfield, January 17, 2026 – Liverpool hosted struggling Burnley in a Premier League clash at Anfield, with the Reds aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 12 games against a Clarets side battling relegation.
Match Preview
Liverpool, sitting 4th with 35 points from 21 games (10W-5D-6L, +4 GD), entered as heavy favorites (-457 odds to win). Burnley languished in 19th (3W-4D-14L, -19 GD, 13 points), desperate for points.[3][4]
Key absences plagued both: Liverpool without Mohamed Salah (international duty), Conor Bradley (knee surgery), Wataru Endo (ankle), and others like Stefan Bajcetic and Alexander Isak (injured). Burnley missed Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, and more.[2][5]
Weather: 44°F, light SE winds. Over/Under 2.5 goals at -186 over.[2]
First Half Drama
The game exploded early. Liverpool earned a penalty in the 12th minute after a foul on forward H. Ekitike. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up but blasted it wide, handing Burnley a lifeline![1]
Burnley keeper Martin Dubravka shone, securing 3 clean sheets recently, while Ibrahima Konate picked up a yellow for Liverpool.[2]
Second Half Breakthrough
Florian Wirtz ignited Anfield in the 58th minute, rocketing a stunning long-range strike past Dubravka to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead. The German's venomous effort from 25 yards was unstoppable, sparking wild celebrations.[1][6]
Burnley pushed back with threats from Quilindschy Hartman (3 assists) and J. Cullen (2 assists), but Alisson (5 clean sheets) stood firm. Kyle Walker earned a booking for the visitors.[2][3]
Key Stats & Standings
- Possession: Liverpool dominant per Attack Momentum.
- Shots: Reds created big chances; Burnley relied on counters.
- League table: Aston Villa lead (43 pts); Wolves bottom (7 pts).[3]
Post-Match Implications
Liverpool's win solidified top-four hopes, while Burnley’s woes deepened. Salah's 10 goals remain crucial upon return. Full highlights and analysis followed on Sky Sports.[6]
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