Salah penalty and late Liverpool substitutions sink Burnley at Turf Moor

Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from Mohamed Salah after Burnley substitute Hannibal conceded the spot-kick, with Arne Slot's late substitutions providing the decisive spark.

The winning penalty, converted by Salah, came after Hannibal's late challenge and capped a match in which Liverpool struggled for long periods but were revitalised when Jeremie Frimpong, Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa were introduced late in the game. The result leaves Liverpool top of the Premier League, and marks their third late winner in four league matches this season.

Slot turned to his bench as his side chased the game, and the three substitutes had an immediate influence despite limited minutes. Ngumoha and Frimpong did not enter the match until the 86th minute but both caused problems for Burnley's tired defence, creating the openings that led to the decisive moment. Chiesa, also introduced late, offered directness and movement that unsettled Burnley's backline.

Burnley finished the match with ten men after midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, who had been booked earlier for a strong tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, received a second yellow card in the closing stages. Referee Michael Oliver drew criticism from the home crowd during the match but produced several key decisions that stood up to scrutiny, including the penalty award and the dismissal. Oliver also cautioned Burnley full-back Milos Kerkez in the 22nd minute after the left-back went to ground when Ryan Gravenberch combined with teammates down Liverpool's left.

The match offered a glimpse of how Slot might configure his forward line once new signing Alexander Isak returns to fitness. Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed since his summer arrival, performed well when drifting to the left, cutting inside and producing a first-half opportunity that narrowly missed. The analysis from the game suggests Ekitike could operate on the left with Isak leading the line and Cody Gakpo moving into a supporting role.

Salah remained a focal point of Liverpool's attack but his overall form drew attention. The Egyptian captain scored the opening-day goal against Bournemouth and delivered the match-winner from the spot here, yet observers noted he has yet to regain the consistent form that earned him player-of-the-year honours last season.

There was also debate over Liverpool's right-back slot. Conor Bradley, on for the injured Frimpong at half-time, provided technical balance and an instinct for when to inject urgency into play. Frimpong, signed to offer the kind of directness associated with Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been hampered by injuries and made his return to the bench at Turf Moor. Slot's selection choices on the right remain a talking point as the season progresses.

For Burnley, the presence of Kyle Walker — signed last season from Manchester City — remains important but raised questions. The 35-year-old showed moments of defensive intelligence and experience, yet he was occasionally exposed in one-on-one situations and lacked the explosive pace that previously defined his career. Burnley will likely rely on Walker's adaptability and positional awareness as they seek points in the campaign.

Liverpool's depth and the timing of their substitutions were the defining factors in a tight contest. While Burnley limited clear chances for long stretches, the visitors' bench options ultimately supplied the creativity and energy that produced a late, decisive moment. The result maintains Liverpool's early-season momentum and underlines the value Slot places on squad rotation and impact substitutes.

Both teams will return to Premier League action in the coming week, with Liverpool looking to extend their run of positive late results and Burnley seeking a response as they assess defensive adjustments and personnel choices following the narrow defeat.