'Burnley win a big step forward for Liverpool'
Sunday's hard-fought victory over Burnley at Anfield was 'a big step forward' for Liverpool, according to John Aldridge.
When Ashley Barnes opened the scoring for the visitors after just seven minutes, the Reds appeared to be on track for yet another disappointing result against a team from the Premier League's bottom half.
But the hosts turned the game on its head through Gini Wijnaldum's close-range strike on the stroke of half-time and Emre Can's pinpoint Kop-end effort with an hour gone.
Jürgen Klopp's side were far from at their best as they overcame the Clarets, but Aldo believes the confidence boost provided by such a result could have a big impact going forward.
The former Reds striker wrote in the Liverpool Echo: "Mentally, it was a big step forward for this Liverpool side. They now know how to get through a game like that. They know they can do it.
"Some of our passing was terrible, especially in the first half, but rather than fall to pieces, we battled hard.
"It was a crucial three points in terms of pushing for a Champions League spot. I know we’ve played two games more than both Arsenal and Manchester United but I’d rather have the points on the board than fixture congestion."
Aldridge also heaped praise upon goalscorer Can, whose match-winning contribution was the highlight of a much-improved second-half performance.
"Emre Can had an indifferent game but it was a magnificent strike to secure us the points," he added.
"In the first half against Burnley he had some bad moments but in the second half he rose to the occasion.
"That goal should really help his confidence going forward."