Ragnar Klavan scored a late winner as Liverpool snatched three points at Burnley.

The game burst to life in the second half at Turf Moor with Sadio Mane firing the Reds ahead in pivoting on the edge of the area to strike into the roof of the net.

Johann Gudmundsson pulled Burnley level after Joe Gomez switched off to allow the Iceland international to power a diving header at the far post.

But an unlikely combination of Dejan Lovren and Klavan combined to turn home a free kick floated into the box deep into added time.

Here were the key talking points from Turf Moor:

Reds able to roll with the punches

 

It would have been fair to doubt Liverpool’s ability to pass their Turf Moor test without Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino all missing from the starting line-up.

A lack of free-flowing start aside, however, they were resilient, workmanlike, and kept producing chances until Sadio Mane made the breakthrough on the hour.

Jurgen Klopp’s costly rotations in recent draws would have instantly sprung to mind when Burnley equalised through Johann Gudmundsson.

However the Reds’ ability to keep pushing forward was rewarded with a late winner which proved that they can still perform without an all-star cast.

Solanke still needs finishing touches

 

Dominic Solanke was only expected to feature in Liverpool’s cup campaigns when he arrived from Chelsea over the summer, with very little league opportunities.

However the ongoing uncertainty over Daniel Sturridge’s future, the England youngster has become the default option as Firmino’s reserve in attack.

He continued to build on an impressive start to life at Anfield, contributing well to general play against the Clarets while working in his team’s best interest.

Yet he was still unable to trouble Nick Pope in the hosts’ goal with any efforts.

This was a game of fine margins and Liverpool will need Solanke to improve his sharpness in front of goal to take advantage of those chances next time around.

Big day for the defence

 

All eyes were on Virgil van Dijk’s arrival this New Year’s Day but also trained on Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan to assess which one he will ultimately replace.

The pair have had their share of criticism this season but were able to produce a solid performance against a Burnley side renowned for its physical and aerial threats.

If positive defensive displays were not enough to stake their claim, Lovren and Klavan combined to produce the Estonian’s decisive late goal.

There is no doubt that Van Dijk will take a spot, but the fight between the pair and Joel Matip to partner him is still ongoing.

Gomez still on the right track

 

Joe Gomez is already proving to be an important figure in this Liverpool team.

Able to slot comfortably across the back four, the 20-year-old switched to left-back and coped well with the physical nature of Sean Dyche’s side.

Even taking into account his error in letting Gudmundsson to sneak in at the back post, it was a positive performance from a youngster who cost just £3.5 million.

On the day Liverpool officially sealed the signing of a £75m centre-back, Gomez’s value is made even clearer, and his future as a first-team mainstay secured.