Liverpool came from a goal down to beat Burnley at Anfield but it was a frustratingly poor performance.
The reds needed goals from their two central midfielders, Gini Wijnaldum on the stroke of half time, and a 25 yard strike from Emre Can in the second half to collect the points.
Ashley Barnes had put Burnley ahead after a horribly sluggish start from the reds.
Roberto Firmino didn't make the 18 man squad. He hadn't recovered from an injury and Divock Origi came in to replace the Brazilian but he had little service throughout the first half.
Phil Coutinho was subbed off in the second half and replaced by Ben Woodburn after a poor 60 minutes from LFC's highest paid player.
Early goal for Burnley
Just like at Burnley in the reverse fixture back in August, Liverpool conceded early. It was the 7th minute of the game when Ashley Barnes put the visitors ahead.
It was their 3rd decent chance of the opening period - Liverpool did not create a chance until 30 minutes had gone.
Back in that 7th minute Lowton fired a pass across the LFC box and Ashley Barnes was free at the back post to slide the ball in the net, right in front of the Kop.
Burnley were looking good value for their first away win in the League and they were the stronger side throughout the first half. Liverpool enjoyed a mini spell of corners but Coutinho failed to beat the man at the front post on each occasion. Towards the end of the half he was removed from corner duty and replaced by the usual taker James Milner.
As half time approached the board went up signalling 1 minute to be added on.
And Gini Winjnaldum had Liverpool's first shot on target, he scored at the second time of asking just as referee Craig Pawson was about to signal half time.
Liverpool were marginally better in the second half but they didn't appear invigorated by their equaliser.
On the hour Coutinho was taken off, replaced by youngster Ben Woodburn and seconds later Liverpool were in the lead. A ball was poked across the pitch to Emre Can who smashed a 25 yard shot into the bottom right hand corner of the Kop goal - just beating the outstretched hand of Tom Heaton.
Burnley made an attempt to get something out of the game but the rest of the game played out with little excitement.
It's an important 3 points for Liverpool but it's not entirely convincing. For long periods of this game, the reds superstars were bullied by the likes of Joey Barton.
Next up the reds travel to Manchester City - a game the reds probably can't lose if they want to finish ahead of their top four opponents.
