Liverpool Frustrated as Burnley Hold Reds to 1–1 Draw at Anfield

Liverpool’s hopes of climbing the Premier League table suffered a setback on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as the Reds were held to a 1–1 draw by struggling Burnley at Anfield in Matchday 22 of the 2025-26 season. Despite dominating possession and creating several promising opportunities, Arne Slot’s side were unable to secure all three points in front of their home fans, extending a run of dropped points in recent weeks. 

From the opening whistle, Liverpool took control of the game and dictated the tempo. The hosts looked the more dangerous side throughout the first half, pressing aggressively and probing Burnley’s defence with a mix of quick passing and wide play. Their early pressure earned them a spot-kick after Cody Gakpo was brought down in the box, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty attempt struck the crossbar and bounced away — a moment that would prove costly for the Reds. 

Despite the missed penalty, Liverpool continued to threaten, and they eventually broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. A swift and incisive attacking move saw Hugo Ekitike combine with Curtis Jones before releasing Florian Wirtz, who finished clinically at the near post to give Liverpool a deserved lead going into half-time. 

The second half began with Liverpool still firmly on the front foot, but Burnley gradually grew into the game. The visitors, rooted to the bottom of the table, showed resilience and belief, and their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Marcus Edwards capitalised on a rare break. Breaking through the home defence, Edwards calmly slotted the ball into the net to level the score, silencing the Anfield crowd and sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters. 

After the equaliser, Liverpool continued to press for a winner, but they struggled to convert their dominance into clear cut chances. Despite enjoying large spells of possession and peppering the Burnley penalty area with crosses and shots, the final ball often evaded them, and Burnley’s organised defence held firm. 

The draw leaves Liverpool outside the top three in the Premier League and still searching for consistency. With rivals above them picking up results, the Reds’ ambitions of mounting a serious title challenge or securing a top-four finish have become increasingly complicated. Burnley, meanwhile, can take heart from a spirited performance that earned them a valuable point on the road.