Liverpool’s problems against deep, packed defences showed again as Burnley held them to a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday, 17 January 2026. The champions controlled the ball, piled on pressure, and created chance after chance, but Arne Slot’s side still dropped points at home. It made it four straight Premier League draws, part of an unbeaten run that keeps going without delivering enough wins.
The Matchweek 22 clash in the 2025-26 season told a familiar story. Liverpool finished with 32 shots (11 on target) and an expected goals figure close to 3.0, but only found the net once. Burnley came in winless in 13 league matches, sat in a 5-4-1, and made their one big moment count to leave with a point in their fight to stay up.
Liverpool on Top, but Wasteful Before the Break
Liverpool started quickly and moved the ball well around Burnley’s low block. Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo both had early looks, but Martin Dubravka made sure the visitors stayed level.
A major chance arrived when Gakpo went down in the area under a challenge from Florentino Luis, and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Dominik Szoboszlai took the penalty, but struck the crossbar, a huge let-off for Burnley.
Liverpool kept pushing, and they finally got their reward late in the half. Florian Wirtz picked up a pass from Curtis Jones on the edge of the box and hit a fierce effort into the top corner. It sent Liverpool into half-time 1-0 up, and it felt like the breakthrough they needed.
Burnley Hit Back After Half-Time
Burnley showed more intent after the restart and looked sharper on the counter. One break almost ended with an own goal from Ibrahima Konate, but Alisson Becker reacted well to keep Liverpool in front.
The equaliser came in the 65th minute, and it came from a Liverpool mistake. As the home side tried to play out, Burnley pounced. Florentino played in Marcus Edwards, and Edwards took his chance, finishing neatly past Alisson for 1-1.
Anfield grew tense as Liverpool went back on the attack. Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa came on to add fresh legs, but Burnley stayed organised and blocked lanes into the box. Bashir Humphreys stood out at the back, including a key goal-line clearance, as Burnley held on for a hard-earned result.
Match Stats Snapshot
Liverpool dominated the numbers, with 73% possession, 32 shots to 7, and 11 shots on target compared to Burnley’s single effort on target. Still, the scoreline highlighted the same issue Liverpool has faced in several matches this season, breaking down low blocks and turning control into wins.
Here are the Liverpool key performers and match notes:
| Player | Position | Rating | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alisson Becker | GK | 6 | Sharp save to stop own-goal scare |
| Jeremie Frimpong | RB | 7 | Strong runs and width on the right |
| Virgil van Dijk | CB | 7 | Calm defending, good positioning |
| Ibrahima Konate | CB | 6 | Nearly turned a cross into his own net |
| Milos Kerkez | LB | 7 | Good deliveries and overlap play |
| Ryan Gravenberch | CM | 7 | Helped Liverpool control the midfield |
| Curtis Jones | CM | 7 | Assist for Wirtz |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | AM | 6 | Missed penalty |
| Florian Wirtz | AM | 8 | Brilliant goal, standout display |
| Cody Gakpo | FW | 6 | Won the penalty, had chances |
| Hugo Ekitike | FW | 7 | Busy and threatening in the box |
For Burnley, the back line and goalkeeper did most of the work:
| Player | Position | Rating | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Dubravka | GK | 8 | Several big saves to keep Burnley in it |
| Axel Tuanzebe | CB | 7 | Strong tackling and duels |
| Bashir Humphreys | CB | 8 | Goal-line clearance led the defence |
| Maxime Esteve | CB | 7 | Stayed solid and well-organised |
| Kyle Walker | RWB | 7 | Important cover and recovery runs |
| Lesley Ugochukwu | CM | 7 | Worked hard, broke up play |
| Florentino Luis | CM | 6 | Set up the equaliser |
| Pires | CM | 7 | Strong work rate and tracking back |
| Marcus Edwards | AM | 8 | Took his goal well |
| Jaidon Anthony | LWB | 7 | Offered an outlet on counters |
| Armando Broja | FW | 6 | Held the ball up when needed |
The draw keeps Liverpool in fourth on 36 points, one point ahead of Manchester United, and it was another missed chance to close on second-placed Manchester City. Burnley stay 19th on 14 points, still seven from safety, but this point at Anfield will lift belief.
It also adds to a growing theme this season. Liverpool has dropped points at home against newly promoted or lower-table teams, even when they dominate the match.
