Liverpool's recent form took another hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley, with midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai's missed penalty proving costly. Despite Florian Wirtz's brilliant goal, the Reds couldn't secure the win, and the draw means they've dropped more points this season. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it time for Liverpool to consider a change in their penalty-taker? Szoboszlai's miss wasn't his first, and it sparked a debate among fans and pundits. The question remains: can he bounce back from this blunder?
The match began with Liverpool dominating possession, but it was Burnley who took the lead through Marcus Edwards' stunning strike. The Reds responded with a goal from Wirtz, but their dominance wasn't enough to secure the win. After the break, Edwards equalized, and the home fans were left disappointed, as all three newly-promoted sides have now taken a point at Anfield this season.
Here's a look at how Liverpool's players performed, with a focus on those who stood out, both positively and negatively.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (6/10): The Brazilian had a quiet afternoon until Burnley's first shot on target. He'll be disappointed to have conceded from Edwards' strike, which squeezed underneath his dive.
Jeremie Frimpong (7/10): The Dutch winger played high up the pitch and had an excellent chance to score in the second half, showing his pace and skill.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10): The French center-back had a solid but uninspiring performance, with little to do throughout the match.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10): The Dutch captain had a quiet game, with little to do, and was one of only two Liverpool players whose average position was in his own half.
Milos Kerkez (8/10): The young center-back had an early chance to put Liverpool ahead, and his low cross was nearly turned into a goal. He was booked for an untidy lunge on Anthony and was substituted with ten minutes to go.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10): The Hungarian midfielder had a strange afternoon, playing well but smashing his penalty against the crossbar. He'll be glad to see January end after his mistake against Barnsley.
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10): The Dutch midfielder saw lots of the ball in the middle of the park but became sloppy with his passing in the second half and was substituted for Mac Allister.
Curtis Jones (8/10): The young English midfielder was at the heart of Liverpool's best moments, providing the assist for Wirtz's goal and working tirelessly.
Attack
Florian Wirtz (8/10): The German forward took his goal well, showing his undoubted quality, but didn't do enough aside from that. He was a constant threat and provided a spark for Liverpool's attack.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): The Dutch winger was lively on the left and created many chances for Liverpool. He had a couple of half-chances which went begging and was substituted with a few minutes left.
Hugo Ekitike (7/10): The French striker was a constant thorn in Burnley's side, but he wasted a couple of golden opportunities, including an excellent header in the first half. He showed his pace and power, but needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
Subs & Manager
Andy Robertson (6/10): The Scottish left-back had very little to do when he came on. He enjoyed a few touches as Liverpool pressed for the winner, but couldn't break the deadlock.
Alex Mac Allister (6/10): The Argentine midfielder was brought on with only a handful of minutes remaining and wasted a golden chance when he fired high over the bar. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
Rio Ngumoha (6/10): The Nigerian forward was lively when he came on, but had too few chances to make an impact. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal to make the most of his opportunities.
Federico Chiesa (N/A): The Italian midfielder was brought on with only a few seconds remaining and didn't have time to make an impact.
Arne Slot (5/10): The Dutch manager faced another disappointing result and below-par performance at home, despite the missed penalty and a host of chances. He really should've made changes earlier in the match to turn the tide.
