Liverpool Maintains Perfect Start with Salah Injury-Time Winner, Kerkez Sent Off for Dive vs Burnley

Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Burnley thanks to a last-minute penalty converted by Mohamed Salah, but much of the attention centered on Milos Kerkez's challenging performance and early substitution. The 21-year-old left-back, signed for £40 million from Bournemouth, was booked for a widely criticized dive inside the penalty area and later fouled an opponent, prompting manager Arne Slot to replace him with Andy Robertson before halftime to avoid a potential red card. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher condemned Kerkez's simulation as "absolutely stupid," while fans and pundits praised Slot's decisive management and Robertson's immediate impact on the game. Despite Kerkez's promising displays earlier in the season, this match highlighted the adaptation difficulties he faces in his new team. Slot's prompt decision to remove Kerkez was seen as a necessary move to maintain discipline and stabilize Liverpool's defense. The substitution and Kerkez's conduct sparked debate among supporters about his readiness and mentality at the Premier League level.