LIVERPOOL dropped points at Anfield for the first time this season in a below-par display against a determined Burnley side.

The Premier League champions were given yet another guard of honour, something they might become familiar with this season given how early they secured the title, but that was where the Burnley players’ respect for their opposition ended.

Despite their spirited display, the efforts of Sean Dyche's side might have been for nothing were it not for the heroics of their goalkeeper, Nick Pope, who continues to stake his claim for England’s No 1 shirt.

Liverpool dominated the game in terms of chances and possession, but their only goal came in the unlikely form of an excellent header from left-back Andy Robertson. 

The Scotsman was perfectly positioned to get on the end of Fabinho’s cross, but it was a very difficult header to execute and he did so like a seasoned striker.

The home side failed to take their other chances, in part down to their own wastefulness in front of goal, but also due to the performance of Pope.

“There were moments when it was Liverpool against Nick Pope,” said Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. “It's hard to create against a team so organised but we created super chances.

“There was always one guy who wanted to deny us and it was Nick Pope. The game left the result open for Burnley. 

“I'm fine for the performance for 80 minutes and it was probably one of our best games against Burnley, but we couldn't get a second and that's why we've been left with a point.”

Liverpool peppered the Burnley goal with shots, but only nine found the target and eight of those were saved by the 28-year-old Englishman. 

Mohamed Salah missed chances as his quest for the golden boot peters out, and Roberto Firmino is still without a goal at Anfield this season.

Jay Rodriguez took his chance for Burnley, though. A James Tarkowski knockdown bounced into his path he swept his shot home on the half-volley.

The visitors even had a chance to win it late on, but Johann Gudmundsson’s shot hit the bar.

“Everyone knows we are stretched, but the mentality has been absolutely fantastic,” said Burnley boss Dyche.

“In the first half we’ve had to grind because they shift the ball quickly, ask questions, and Popey has had to make a few top saves.

“We just about stayed in it, but we did say at half time that it’s hard for teams, even as good as this one, to keep that going for 95 minutes.

“There was a slight drop off that allowed us to build into the game and physically, I thought we were excellent again.

“We then found a big moment again and possibly, without being too greedy, we could have found another at the end.”