Jürgen Klopp exited with a beaming smile for Harvey Elliott, the teenager who stepped seamlessly into Premier League life and Liverpool’s midfield, and for the crowd that made victory a shared, greater experience once again. “We’ve missed you like crazy,” was how the Liverpool manager ended his programme notes. His players made up for lost time with an impressive win against Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s team benefited twice from a cold and silent Anfield during lockdown, ruining Liverpool’s record unbeaten home run last season and their 100% winning streak when lifting the title the season before. This was a case of business returning to normal. Goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mané secured victory while Virgil van Dijk and Joël Matip brought assurance and comfort in central defence. Burnley players sportingly lined up after the final whistle to welcome back Van Dijk after his lengthy injury absence, but in truth they will be glad to see the back of him until they meet again at Turf Moor.