Mo Salah strikes last gasp penalty to earn Liverpool win at Burnley - 5 talking points

Mo Salah scored a penalty in dying seconds of stoppage time as Liverpool kept up their perfect start to the season at Burnley.

Hannibal Mejbri's handball gave Salah the chance to step up from the spot and win it, after the unconvincing Reds had been kept at bay by their hosts for the vast majority of the afternoon.

Hugo Ekitike came close in the first half when his effort raced across the goalmouth, before Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch tested Martin Dubravka from distance.

Burnley's Lesley Ugochukwu was sent off for a second bookable offence with five minutes remaining, before Hannibal's late error handed Salah the chance to win it. Here are the game's main talking points.

READ MORE: Liverpool star Jamie Carragher labelled 'stupid' hooked after just 37 minutes

READ MORE: Liverpool release Alexander Isak statement as £125m star forced to wait for debut

1. The sign of champions?

88th minute. 100th minute. 83rd minute. 95th minute. It hasn't been the smoothest of football from Liverpool this season but they are getting the job done eventually, just about.

The Reds were perhaps more fortunate here than they have been in their other wins, but the three points are just as important now as they will be come the end of the season

2. Alexander Isak not yet up to speed

The earliest talking point at Turf Moor was about who wasn't there. Alexander Isak was made to wait a little longer for his Liverpool debut after being left out of the squad by Arne Slot.

After no pre-season to speak of the Reds are taking a softly-softly approach with their new star striker and hope to have him fit for the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Nevertheless, it was a reminder that it could be a while before we see him hit top gear.

3. 'Stupid' Milos Kerkez taken off early

It proved to be an afternoon for Milos Kerkez to forget at Burnley. After a shaky start in his first couple of games the Hungarian had impressed in the win over Arsenal, but his performance here would be defined by the dive that led to his first half booking, an act labelled 'stupid' by Jamie Carragher.

With Slot concerned about a second card, Kerkez was hooked in the first half and replaced by Andy Robertson, who immediately entered the action with a point to prove. The new signing might look back at this as a learning experience.

4. Burnley stay solid - and that gives them a chance

Scott Parker was beaten 9-0 by Liverpool in his previous game against them in 2022, but he's learned an awful lot about management since then.

The Burnley boss has crafted a side who are hard to break down and hard to beat, particularly at home, and that should stand them in good stead as they go about trying to stay in the division this season. They might not have the quality of some of the other teams down there, but they'll work just as hard.

5. Mo Salah stutters again, until he doesn't

However you try and slice it is has been a slow start to the season for Mo Salah. The Egyptian scored on the opening night win over Bournemouth, but had been scoreless and largely quiet ever since ever since his late moment here.

Liverpool will expect the real Salah to return to top form eventually, but after the man himself admitted he is still learning the movements of some of his new team-mates, it is a mild concern to see him failing to impact games like this... until he does.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.