Burnley’s brave resistance ended in heartbreak on Saturday as Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty gave Liverpool a 1-0 win at Turf Moor, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Clarets, back in the Premier League this season, looked on course for a precious point against the champions until an 84th-minute red card for Lesley Ugochukwu tilted the game in Liverpool’s favour.
The French youth international, nephew of ex-Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, had been impressive throughout but was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a clumsy challenge on Florian Wirtz.
It was the turning point. Burnley had held firm despite Liverpool’s pressure, with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka producing several key stops.
But four minutes into added time, Hannibal Mejbri was penalised for handling inside the box, sparking fierce protests from the Burnley players. Referee Michael Oliver stood firm, and Salah calmly dispatched the penalty, sending Dubravka the wrong way.
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The defeat sums up Burnley’s turbulent return to the top flight. Scott Parker’s side opened with a 3-0 loss at Tottenham before recovering with a 2-0 win over Sunderland.
They overcame Derby 2-1 in the EFL Cup second round fixture but were edged out 3-2 at Old Trafford before the international break.
Ugochukwu, signed from Chelsea on a five-year deal, had started all of Burnley’s league matches. Against Liverpool, the 22-year-old registered 22 touches, won five duels, and contributed defensively with three tackles, two clearances, and a crucial block before his sending off.
Liverpool, meanwhile, maintain their perfect start to the season. Arne Slot’s men have won all four league matches and sit top of the table on 12 points, ahead of Arsenal, who trail by three after beating Nottingham Forest.
Ugochukwu’s international future remains a subplot. Though capped by France at youth level, he remains eligible for Nigeria.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is understood to be monitoring him closely as part of his long-term rebuild, but the Nigerian Football Federation has yet to make an official approach.
