Liverpool vs Burnley: Adam Lallana gives Jurgen Klopp a different method of attack in timely return to action
Lallana started his fourth league match of the season and gave Klopp a different plan of attack
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Your support makes all the difference.The chaos caused by Liverpool’s front three had evaporated in recent weeks and exposed the lack of creativity in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
A goalless draw against Everton handed the initiative in the Premier League title race back to Manchester City and was another disappointing result after a string of underwhelming displays.
Using a midfield three of Jordan Henderson Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum was a useful option to keep Liverpool a robust and tight unit, but it fell flat in games where one point needed to be turned into three.
Klopp had to adjust and arriving timely on the scene was Adam Lallana. He had been “exceptional” in training, said the Liverpool manager, and he carried his Melwood form straight onto the Anfield pitch in Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Burnley.
Ripples of concern spread through the Liverpool fan base when Lallana’s names appeared on the team sheet to start his fourth league match of the season and his fifth competitive start of the campaign.
However, Klopp’s decision to inject some creativity into Liverpool’s midfield and starting him over Naby Keita was justified with a performance in which he was named as the man-of-the-match.
His passing was effortless and precise, but best of all for Klopp and Liverpool, he took some of the attention away from the front three and allowed them to attack Burnley with the power and pace that makes them so feared.
He had a part to play in both early goals, creating Mane’s strike with a block to set Liverpool through on goal, and a fine performance was acknowledged when the English midfielder was given a standing ovation as Keita replaced him in the 77th minute.
Lallana’s return to the side could hand the Reds a vital boost ahead of the crucial title run-in as they hunt down City in search of a first Premier League title.
“All we want to do is concentrate on ourselves,” said the Liverpool man-of-the-match on BT Sport.
Liverpool were stunned to be a goal behind after six minutes when Ashley Westwood’s corner went straight in as Alisson appeared to be impeded by James Tarkowski.
The title race is likely to be decided by the smallest of margins, with goal difference possibly playing a part in the final eight league matches.
“It’ll go down to the wire it’s good for the natural and we will try and enjoy it.
“We showed great character going 1-0 down its never easy and the fans get apprehensive,” Lallana added. “Conditions were tough for both teams so no excuses. The game is in the balance and both teams fancied their chances.”
Lallana made just his fourth league start of the season after a tough spell with various injuries.
“It’s been a difficult 18 months with injuries and hopefully that’s behind me. I just want to keep working hard towards a good end of the season. It was a good game and I enjoyed being out there.”
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