Video Analysis: Why This “Ugly” Liverpool Win Actually Proves Title Credentials | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Ugly Win at Burnley Shows Title Credentials

Grit Over Glamour

Liverpool ground out another result at Turf Moor, extending their perfect start to the league season, and Panenka LFC summed it up best: “Even if the performance itself wasn’t the most convincing, this time away at Burnley… that’s what champions are all about.” The message was clear throughout the podcast, this was about resilience, not style points.

The host repeatedly stressed that Liverpool’s four wins from four represent the hallmark of a serious title challenger. “You find a way to get the job done and collect the points no matter what,” the host said, noting that the game came right after the international break and just days before a Champions League clash. The context, they argued, made the performance easier to understand.

Tactical Battle and First-Half Struggles

The podcast broke down the starting XI, with attention on Florian Wirtz as the number 10 and Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister as the double pivot. Burnley’s approach was exactly what fans expected: “Burnley dropped into a deep block, often settling into a 5-4-1 shape.”

Panenka LFC pointed out that Liverpool initially failed to find the right rhythm: “We slowed things down in moments when we should have sped them up. And we rushed decisions in situations where patience would have made the difference.” The one bright spark before the break was Gravenberch, praised for his “trademark half turn where he receives with his back to goal and immediately drives forward.”

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Slot’s Changes Make the Difference

Credit was given to Arne Slot for his in-game management. Robertson’s introduction was described as logical, replacing a struggling Milos Kerkez early, and the decision to bring on Conor Bradley for Mac Allister added energy: “With Bradley and Szoboszlai, there was much more rotation… this movement gave us better overloads in the half spaces.”

Photo: IMAGO

The shift allowed Wirtz to influence proceedings: “Unlike in the first half, he was receiving the ball there frequently, and every time he did, he looked threatening.” Despite missed chances from Bradley and Szoboszlai, the pressure continued to mount.

Defining Moments and Title Credentials

The breakthrough finally came after Burnley were reduced to ten men and Slot sent on Frimpong and Ngumoha. The host called it a decisive moment: “Did it change the game? Absolutely. Slot really is a master of in-game management, isn’t he?”

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Frimpongs’ cross led to the penalty incident involving Hannibal Mejbri and Salah, who “once again did what he does best, stepped up in a pressure moment and made sure the points were secured.”

The closing words of the podcast captured the mood: “It wasn’t a classic performance, but it was a professional one, and in this league, that counts for a lot.” With four wins from four, Liverpool’s ability to win ugly has sparked talk of title credentials, a sentiment that will resonate with supporters.