Two first-half goals saw Liverpool succumb to a maiden defeat of the new Premier League season at Burnley.

Sam Vokes opened the scoring within minutes of the kick-off while Andre Gray also struck before the break to give the Premier League newcomers all three points.

The result condemned Jurgen Klopp’s side to their first loss against the Clarets since September 1974.

Here were the main talking points from Turf Moor…

No case for defence without Moreno

 

Alberto Moreno’s shortcomings have become a regular bone of contention in the previous two seasons for Liverpool but the excuse held little water at Turf Moor.

The much-maligned Spaniard failed to make an appearance until the 77th minute – far and away from Burnley’s two-goal haul after 35 minutes.

Where others in the Reds’ defence were allowed to hide behind Moreno’s paucity against Arsenal last weekend, there was no bunker space this time.

Ragner Klavan and Nathaniel Clyne were both culpable, notably as the latter gifted possession to allow Sam Vokes to record an opener after just two minutes.

Moreno hardly covered himself in glory when he was on the field but his earlier absence was a reminder that Liverpool’s defensive failings are not limited to just him.

Midfield isn’t much better

 

If Jurgen Klopp’s back line remains a work in progress, his midfield options do not appear much better, although arguably more owing to mitigating factors.

Forcing Jordan Henderson to deputise in a holding role was always going to backfire; the Liverpool captain struggles to exude himself at the best of times.

Just as it did with his midfield partner Georginio Wijnaldum, another deployed outside of his comfort zone, Klopp’s reshuffling attempt heavily backfired.

Steven Defour is currently a far cry from the player that held his own against Liverpool for Standard Liege but was allowed to turn back the clock.

The former Belgium international partied like it was 2008 again as he ghosted past to tee up Andre Gray for Burnley’s second of the afternoon.

Emre Can’s anticipated return for next weekend’s trip to Tottenham cannot come quick enough.

Sturridge must lead the line

 

Others also struggled to asset themselves in Lancashire due to positional shifts, with Daniel Sturridge appearing laboured for large parts.

The biggest problem with the England striker, when available, is that he is expected to deliver irrespective of whichever role he is shunted into.

His latest was out wide, far away from the fulcrum of Liverpool’s attack and the results were far from pretty with the game largely passing him by.

Away from a central berth, Sturridge struggles; something which Klopp will doubtless have acknowledged following his Turf Moor tribulations.

Title talk is still long way off for Reds

 

Klopp may have expected Liverpool to be in the hunt for the Premier League title this season but the latest evidence suggests that’s still some way off.

Rendering this result as a bad day at the office may be a convenient get-out clause but the same warning signs appeared at Arsenal last weekend.

Three goals shipped at the Emirates Stadium proved that it is more than mere fine-tuning which Klopp’s players require in every area other than its attack.

Barring a remarkable shift in circumstances between now and the end of the forthcoming international break, a top four finish is likely to be as good as it gets.

Even that appears somewhat precarious.