Salah’s Last-Minute Penalty Keeps Liverpool Perfect
Liverpool’s trip to Turf Moor was anything but straightforward. The Premier League champions had to dig deep against a determined Burnley side that defended with grit and discipline right up until stoppage time. But once again, Liverpool’s ability to snatch victory in the dying moments proved decisive, with Mohamed Salah calmly burying a penalty in the 95th minute to seal a 1–0 win.
For most of the afternoon, Burnley’s resilience frustrated Liverpool. Manager Scott Parker had clearly set his side up to stay compact, absorb pressure, and deny the Reds space. It worked for nearly the entire match. Burnley’s goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, made important saves, while defenders like Maxime Esteve and Kyle Walker threw themselves into challenges and blocks. They rarely looked threatening in attack, but their organization made Liverpool’s task an uphill battle.
The game turned late on. Burnley had already been reduced to ten men when Lesley Ugochukwu picked up a second yellow card, leaving them even more stretched. Then came the decisive moment: substitute Hannibal Mejbri handled a cross inside the box. It was the kind of error that comes when fatigue sets in after defending relentlessly. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and up stepped Salah. With all the pressure on his shoulders, he smashed the penalty home in front of Liverpool’s traveling supporters, who erupted in celebration.
Also Read:It was harsh on Burnley, who had worked tirelessly and were seconds away from becoming the first team to take points off Liverpool this season. Parker admitted afterwards that it felt “heartbreaking,” but he also praised his players for their spirit and commitment. For a young side still finding its feet in the Premier League, this performance showed promise, even if the ending stung.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the story is becoming familiar. Every one of their four league wins so far has come thanks to goals scored in the final ten minutes or later. Whether it was Szoboszlai’s late free kick against Arsenal or teenager Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time strike at Newcastle, this team has developed a knack for staying alive until the very end. It might not always be sparkling football, but it shows a steeliness that champions are built on.
Salah’s winner also carried extra significance. It was his 35th league penalty for Liverpool, making him the club’s all-time leader from the spot. It also lifted him past Andy Cole into fourth place on the Premier League’s all-time scorers list. Once again, when it mattered most, Salah delivered.
Liverpool now sit top of the table with twelve points from twelve, still chasing both rhythm and ruthlessness but finding results regardless. Burnley, meanwhile, are left to reflect on another late heartbreak after suffering a similar fate against Manchester United.
For now, one thing is clear: forget “Fergie time.” This season, it’s starting to feel more like “Arne time,” as Arne Slot’s Liverpool keep proving that it’s never too late to win.
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