Burnley acid test passed emphatically in Liverpool’s bid to rebuild Anfield fortress

Jurgen Klopp didn’t even remembered it was Burnley who put paid to Liverpool's impressive 68-match unbeaten home record he'd been the engineer of.

The fact that the Clarets handed the Reds a first Premier League defeat at Anfield in almost four years in January had scarcely crossed the German's mind when asked during pre-match media duties.

Kopites can remember the loss vividly, however. It was the start of another club record - only this time an ignominious one.

After Liverpool suffered a 1-0 reverse to Sean Dyche's men last season, they'd go on to lose their subsequent five matches at Anfield. Never had that happened in the Reds' 129-year history in the top flight.

It was that infamous, unprecedented period between January and April that saw Liverpool’s hopes of defending their title brought to an end.

There was no shame in defeats to Manchester City, Chelsea and even Everton during the barren run. Let's be frank, the Toffees were going to win at Anfield at some point.

But losses to Burnley, Brighton and Fulham were the antithesis of what's required to win the league.

In total, Liverpool dropped 24 points at home in the 2020-21 campaign. No side with designs on finishing top of the table should be letting that many points slip.

The Reds' dismal home record would have been on Klopp's mind over the summer. Making Anfield an impregnable fortress is what is required if Man City are to be challenged for the silverware.

For their first game on their own patch this term, Liverpool couldn't have met a better opponent to test if they're capable of making the improvements required.

Burnley's doggedness is a fundamental reason why they're into their sixth season in the top flight. They have absolutely no guaranteed right to have such status for so long given the size and financial situation at Turf Moor.

And although it's early days, the Reds demonstrated that they'll be enjoying home comforts again this time around.

Liverpool were far more creative attacking-wise, playing with verve, gusto and the intelligence required to persistently breach stubborn rearguards happy to settle for a point.

Klopp's troops found little difficulties carving through the Clarets’ back four.

They had 27 shots on goal, with nine on target, and the 2-0 scoreline should have been more emphatic.

Mohamed Salah had a goal chalked off after straying slightly offside, as well as having an effort blocked off the line, while Sadio Mane missed a gilt-edged chance when his header was guided tamely into Nick Pope's arms.

Diogo Jota is proving he's not just the "pressing monster" Klopp has described him as but capable of scoring goals when leading the line.

Just like last week at Norwich, he made the breakthrough with a fine 18th-minute header.

The three points were tied up in the 69th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold's intelligent ball slipped in Mane, who crashed home.

It's no coincidence that Liverpool have kept two clean sheets in their opening matches following the return of Virgil van Dijk, either.

The centre-back missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury but has returned at his imperious best.

The return of a full-capacity crowd undoubtedly gave the Reds a fillip as well.

There were fewer clubs who yearned to have supporters back when matches took place behind closed doors last term.

An early Anfield acid test was indeed passed with flying colours.

Now for another sort of challenge at home next week when title rivals Chelsea visit.