Steven Gerrard says ‘unacceptable’ Burnley draw leaves Liverpool manager Arne Slot facing ‘a lot of criticism’ in ‘difficult week’ ahead

However, the draw felt more like two points dropped than one gained against the relegation-battling visitors at Anfield; Slot’s side now hold a slender one-point advantage over United, with Chelsea also close behind in sixth place.

“It’s not acceptable – a draw against Burnley at home – with all due respect,” Gerrard told TNT Sports.

“Me being critical of Liverpool, even though they’re in a better position in terms of unbeaten games, the draws against Leeds and Burnley at home are not acceptable.

Slot ‘completely understands’ fan frustration after Liverpool draw to Burnley

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“There will be a lot of criticism. This again falls on the manager’s side. But let’s also give the manager credit, as when you and I last talked about this, you asked me if the team was in crisis.

“I said I didn’t think it was in crisis, because I felt the manager was capable of improving the situation and steadying the ship.

“He’s taken the team from the middle of the league to Champions League contention. I think that will be his priority for the team. It has to be a minimum top-four finish this season, but that doesn’t address the criticism that comes with not getting a win today.”

Marcus Edwards celebrates scoring Burnley’s deserved equaliser

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Liverpool dominated proceedings but were unable to translate possession into a handsome win, recording an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.95 while scoring just once from 32 attempts.

Burnley, meanwhile, remain without a Premier League win in 13 matches, underlining the sense of frustration amongst the home crowd.

The draw also marked the first time in the Premier League era that Liverpool have failed to beat all three promoted sides at home in a single season, having also been held 1-1 by Sunderland and Leeds at Anfield.

Gerrard insisted the absence of key players including Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Conor Bradley should not be used as an excuse.

Florian Wirtz had opened the scoring for Liverpool

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“(The style of play) also comes under criticism,” he added. “The manager has said that when they’re fighting against teams that leave a lot of players behind the ball, they struggle.

“The manager has said they’re struggling with creativity. They have some injuries in the forward positions, but we can’t use that as an excuse.

“The team he’s built and inherited should have enough quality and skill to break those teams open and win. If it’s 1-0 at home, you’ll always be at risk of conceding a sloppy goal, and it can lead to two points dropped. Arne will be in for a difficult week before the Champions League.”

‘Something is completely wrong’ if club is not frustrated

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Slot reacted to a question about audible dissatisfaction from supporters by saying that he thought fans were frustrated – a feeling shared inside the club.

He explained: “In my head it wasn’t a boo, but it was frustration as well. We are Liverpool, and we play against Burnley.

“We have to give them credit (for) how they defended, cleared balls off the line, all the things you want to see if you are a Burnley manager, players that try to do everything to prevent us from scoring.

“But if we, as Liverpool, are not disappointed any more by having a draw at home against Burnley, then something is completely wrong.

Dominguez sees ‘brilliant’ chance deflected wide as Arsenal survive early attack

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“I completely understand the frustration. I can tell you I have the same and the players definitely have the same frustration as the fans have.”