Liverpool returned to the summit of the Premier League table on Sunday after grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Reds had briefly slipped into second place after Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest the previous day, but Mohamed Salah’s late penalty restored Arne Slot’s men to the top.

For much of the match, it seemed as though Liverpool’s dominance—boasting nearly 80% possession and 26 attempts on goal—would not be rewarded. Burnley’s disciplined defending and resilient shape frustrated the champions, who found themselves unable to convert their chances.

The breakthrough came in stoppage time after Burnley were reduced to 10 men. Lesley Ugochukwu received a second booking, and moments later, Hannibal Mejbri inexplicably raised his hands in the box to block a cross, gifting Salah the chance to seal all three points from the spot. The Egyptian kept his cool, burying the penalty and sparking relief among Liverpool fans.

The win ensures Liverpool have made a perfect start to their title defense, with 12 points from their opening four fixtures.

Opinion: Champions Show Grit in the Face of Frustration

This wasn’t the Liverpool that dazzles with fluid attacking football—it was the Liverpool that digs deep, refuses to panic, and finds a way to win. That, more than the scoreline, is what champions are made of.

Yes, questions will be asked about their wastefulness in front of goal, but in tight games like this, mentality matters more than statistics. Burnley made life extremely difficult, and yet Liverpool’s persistence paid off.

Arne Slot will no doubt want sharper finishing from his forwards going forward, but he’ll also be pleased with the composure and resilience his side showed. Matches like these are often the difference between winning the league and falling short.

Liverpool may not have sparkled, but they proved once again that champions don’t just win beautifully—they win stubbornly when they must.