OPINION
Liverpool managed to maintain their unbeaten start to the season in the Premier League following a 3-1 win over Burnley on Wednesday, but not everything was plain sailing for the Reds.
Rarely-seen striker Divock Origi started up front with Daniel Sturridge after his match winner against Everton on Sunday, but he was taken off after 66 minutes for Roberto Firmino.
The Reds initially went behind thanks to an effort from Jack Cork, but James Milner, Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri all netted to ensure yet another victory for Jurgen Klopp.
However, it was not the perfect performance from Liverpool despite the result, and Klopp would have learnt many things about his team that will help in his quest for the Premier League title.
Live 4 Liverpool have rounded up three things learned about the Reds’ during their win over Burnley on Wednesday:
Origi struggled and must be axed imminently
Divock Origi was rewarded for his stoppage time winner against the Toffees at the weekend with a place up front at Burnley, but it was safe to say that the £28,000-a-week [Spotrac] attacker really struggled to live up to any expectations anyone had on him.
He was toothless in attack and lacked any sort of urgency going forward, and for this reason, Klopp must not take a chance on him again and axe him as soon as possible.
He is not good enough to face Bournemouth on Saturday, and to be honest, he should not have been risked against the Clarets. No wonder Firmino had to replace him in the second half, as he was absolutely woeful.
Milner ran the show
With the attack failing to make any sort of impact on this game, it was James Milner who had to step in and sort out the mess.
He ensured Liverpool were on level terms with the hosts with an equaliser in the 62nd minute, a goal that arguably sparked the team into life and helped them secure the win. Not only did he achieve that, but he was superb in the midfield alongside Naby Keita and undoubtedly ran the show.
He has been a mixed bag recently but that was certainly not the case here at Turf Moor – and based on this performance, he would have given Klopp even more of a headache as to who he picks as his ideal midfield.
Alisson was not at his usual best
Goalkeeper Alisson has been largely consistent since his arrival at Anfield in the summer and it is safe to say that he has hardly put a foot wrong in between the sticks. However, against Burnley, he was not at his usual best.
He made a mess of James Tarkowski’s effort on goal in the second half, while he practically gifted Cork the first goal by fingertipping the ball to his feet.
Fans no doubt expect a lot better from a keeper who cost the club a lot of money, but they will have their fingers crossed that this does not continue against the Cherries.
