Liverpool welcomed fans back to Anfield with a 2-0 victory against Burnley to maintain their winning start to the season.
Goals either side of half-time from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane were enough to see off Sean Dyche’s side.
Jota headed Kostas Tsimikas' inch-perfect cross past Nick Pope to break the deadlock after just 18 minutes.
Liverpool, who saw a Mohamed Salah effort ruled out for offside by VAR towards the end of the first half, then doubled their lead through Mane on 69 minutes.
It is now five goals scored and none conceded for the Reds in their opening two games of the season, and here is how the national media reported on the game.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp calls for Premier League change after 'dangerous situations' during Liverpool win
Reassurance and relief came in equal measure
Paul Joyce of The Times wrote: “Virgil van Dijk was midway in his own half, with time to survey his options, when he opted to deliver a trademark, 60-yard sweeping pass out to the right wing. In that instant, Liverpool were off and running again.
“The ball would be nonchalantly controlled on the chest of the teenager Harvey Elliott before he cut inside and spotted the advancing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“A clever, arced pass from the full back picked out Sadio Mané, and what followed was an exquisite volley beyond the Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope to trigger a thunderous roar from inside Anfield for the second time of the afternoon.
“On the touchline Jürgen Klopp shook his fists in celebration. He had waited for longer than he would care to remember to revel in this particular moment: his Liverpool team clicking through the gears in front of a capacity crowd once more to embellish Diogo Jota’s opener, with a pivotal contribution initiated by the centre back whose ability to start moves had been so sorely missed last term.
“Reassurance and relief came in equal measure for the Liverpool manager.”
No wonder Liverpool would not entertain the prospect of him leaving on loan
Dominic King of the Mail wrote: “Apart from his durability and willingness, Elliott is also an extremely talented footballer, one with great touch and the vision to play slick through balls. It is no wonder Liverpool would not entertain the prospect of him leaving on loan again – and why they are prepared to sell Xherdan Shaqiri.
“Some would have raised eyebrows to see Klopp opt for Elliott and change last week’s winning side at Norwich but the decision was richly vindicated. One thing you have to do when getting an opportunity in a team like Liverpool’s is make a difference and that is precisely what Elliott did.
“Only a linesman’s flag prevented him leaving the pitch with an assist – he rolled a beautiful ball into Mohamed Salah’s path in the first half, one that he meant he didn’t have to break stride, but the Egyptian timed his run fractionally wrong.
“It was not the end of the world, though. Elliott saw out the contest and at the final whistle, he walked around the pitch on his own before standing in front of The Kop, beaming from ear-to-ear, and shaking his fists. He and they knew his efforts had been of the required standard.”
Old friends were reunited in the stands and on the pitch
Andy Hunter of the Guardian wrote: “Burnley benefited twice from a cold and silent Anfield during lockdown but this was a welcome return to normality for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp exited with a thump to the Liver bird on his chest and a beaming smile, encouraged as much by the Premier League debut of Harvey Elliott as the return of a full, passionate house.
"Old friends were reunited in the stands and on the pitch as Liverpool maintained their impressive start to the season with a hard-fought but well-earned win.
“Virgil van Dijk and Joël Matip commanded central defence and delivered a reminder of the assurance that was ripped from the team last season. Not that a reminder is required. Liverpool’s full-backs provided the assists for Diogo Jota and Sadio Mané to secure victory.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence is to be expected but with Andy Robertson returning to the bench after an ankle injury it was Konstantinos Tsimikas who impressed and created down the left.
“Then there was Elliott, the 18-year-old who stepped seamlessly into Liverpool’s midfield and life on the Premier League stage. The teenager, and the team, showed flashes of excellence that augur well for what lies ahead and ensured Burnley’s spirited performance would gain no reward. Burnley ended Liverpool’s club record 68-game unbeaten home run last season and their 100% home winning streak the season before. They were a thorn once again. Van Dijk, Matip and Alisson, however, were a formidable obstacle.”
Jota continues to stake his case
Samuel Meade of the Mirror wrote: “He scored their first away goal of the season seven days ago and Jota has now bagged Liverpool's first Anfield goal of the campaign.
“The Portuguese star might already be a guaranteed starter for the Reds had injury not disrupted his first season.
“Doubts continue over Roberto Firmino, whose goals have dried up in recent times, and calls for Jota to usurp him are gathering.
“The former Wolves man showed the instincts of striker in his prime when he came from behind Ben Mee to nod home the opener.
“Firmino watched on from the bench, which could be a spot he occupies more often if Jota is able to enjoy a year without disruption.
“The Brazilian appeared late in the game, replacing the goalscorer, but Jota continues to stake his case as Liverpool's main man in attack.”
