Liverpool vs. Burnley: Score and Reaction from 2017 Premier League Match

Liverpool grabbed an important win in the Premier League on Sunday, beating Burnley 2-1 at home.

Ashley Barnes gave the visitors an early lead as Liverpool struggled, but Georginio Wijnaldum tied things up just before half-time.

Both teams had their chances after the break, and Emre Can gave the Reds an advantage they never relinquished. It's only Liverpool's third win in the Premier League since the turn of the year.

As shared by the Reds' official Twitter account, Divock Origi started in attack, giving the team an added dose of speed up front:

Liverpool dominated possession early but showed issues in defence, with Burnley finding plenty of space with balls over the top. James Milner only just managed to keep Barnes from testing Simon Mignolet, an early warning for the Reds.

George Boyd missed the target with a volley, and Barnes' pace troubled Joel Matip after yet another ball over the top. The Clarets were the better team early, and it paid off after just seven minutes.

Unsurprisingly, it was Barnes who got free of his man and fired home from close range. Bleacher Report UK noted a continuing trend:

The setback didn't shake Liverpool into action, and Boyd threatened again with a free-kick that flew narrowly wide.

On the other side of the pitch, Origi came just inches short of pushing home a great cross from Sadio Mane.

Barnes continued to threaten, aiming a shot inches wide from an offside position after another quick attack. Per Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett, the lack of enforcer in midfield that allowed Burnley all kinds of time to play in passes is an issue the Reds haven't been able to resolve in years:

Andre Gray was given too much space to pull the trigger, firing wide from a tricky angle.

Liverpool finished the half on top, but goalkeeper Tom Heaton was shielded well by his defenders and barely had to make a save. Origi tried to flick a cross on, but the English stopper read the situation well.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Joey Barton almost put the ball past his own goalkeeper, and Wijnaldum finally got his team on the board in stoppage time as he missed his touch on a cross from Origi but blasted home the rebound.

As shared by BBC's Match of the Day, the Dutchman has a knack for scoring at Anfield:

Burnley didn't dig in to start the second half, setting up some entertaining midfield battles, with both teams gunning for the lead.

Scott Arfield couldn't get his shot on target, and Barnes suffered the same fate. Burnley had their chances, but Liverpool increased the pressure as the half wore on. Manager Jurgen Klopp also showed he was willing to take risks, taking off the ineffective Philippe Coutinho for Ben Woodburn.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

It was Can who found the breakthrough just a minute later, finishing after a great run and cross from Origi. 

More from Bleacher Report UK:

The Reds now dug in, inviting Burnley to move up the pitch and test Mignolet. Chances didn't come easy to the visitors, and the Belgian did well to clear a dangerous free-kick when they did.

Woodburn and Origi provided some threat on the counter, but Klopp sacrificed the former Lille man for Lucas Leiva and more defensive stability.

The Clarets threw all of their weight forward but barely mustered chances, with Barnes firing wide from a promising position. The Reds did a great job killing the clock, securing the win with relative ease. Matthew Lowton missed one more big chance to end the match, firing a shot over the bar.

Liverpool's next outing will be at Manchester City, while Burnley face Sunderland.