Liverpool 2-0 Burnley: Diogo Jota the hero but Anfield ticket system is the villain

The Reds maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a routine victory.

Diego Jota, right, celebrates Liverpool’s opening goal against Burnley. Picture: Catherine Ivill/ Getty Images

Liverpool gave their returning fans plenty to cheer about with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Anfield.

Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane were on target either side of half-time to continue the Reds’ perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

The heroes

- Diogo Jota: A second game, a second goal for the Portuguese striker. Jota did well to get across the Burnley defence and glance a header home in the 18th minute. He’s not losing his spot as the spearhead of the attack any time soon.

- Harvey Elliott: All eyes were on the 18-year-old making his full Premier League debut. The creative midfielder had a successful afternoon and more than held his own, while a tight offside call on Mohamed Salah denied him an assist.

Harvey Elliott in action for Liverpool against Burnley. Picture: Catherine Ivill/ Getty Images

- Kostas Tsimikas: With Andy Robertson back on the bench, it was imperative the Greece international made an impression. The left-back did that with a delightful cross that put Jota’s opener on a plate for him.

The villains

- Ben Mee: The centre-back was culpable for Liverpool’s first goal when he lost the run of Jota, despite having a glance where the forward was before Tsimikas’ cross was whipped into the box.

- Anfield ticketing system: There was unsurprisingly trepidation from supporters returning to Anfield, having been met by delays when attending pre-season friendlies due to new NFC technology. Again, fans were hit by long queues entering the stadium.

- Sadio Mane: The winger swept home Liverpool’s second goal in brilliant style. However, Mane had a number of chances that he spurned, including one where he should have picked out Salah in space rather than going for goal.

Sadio Mane in action for Liverpool against Burnley. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Player ratings

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson 7, Alexander-Arnold 9, Matip 7, Van Dijk 8, Tsimikas 7 (Gomez 90+1), Henderson 8, Keita 7 (Thiago 81), Elliott 7, Mane 7, Salah 7, Jota 7 (Firmino 81).

Burnley (4-4-2): Pope 6, Lowton 6, Tarkowski 6, Mee 5, Taylor 6, Gudmundsson 5, Brownhill 5, Cork 6, McNeil 7, Wood 6 (Rodriguez 75), Barnes 6.

What’s next for Liverpool

The Reds will get an early test of their Premier League title credentials when they welcome Chelsea to Anfield next Saturday (17.30).

Thomas Tuchel’s men are well fancied to win the league this season after winning the Champions League last term.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have also signed Romelu Lukaku for £97.5 million from Inter Milan.