THE talking points from Burnley's 4-2 defeat at Liverpool.

DEFENSIVE DALLYING

THE defensive foundations of last season seem a distant memory for the Clarets.

Burnley kept 12 clean sheets last season – the most outside the top six – they have managed just six this term.

And they won’t improve that figure if they defend like they did on Sunday.

The first three Liverpool goals were preventable. Entirely preventable.

It’s not to say Burnley would have managed a result at Anfield. Indeed they had a slice of fortune with their opening goal, but it would have given them a better foothold in the contest had they avoided individual errors.

Against the best teams in the league you have to be at your best, Sean Dyche alluded to that in the build up to this game.

Unfortunately for Burnley they were caught out at the back. They have now conceded 57 goals this term, only Fulham have shipped more.

FOXES FOCUS

BURNLEY welcome Leicester to Turf Moor on Saturday looking to return to winning ways.

The Foxes are unbeaten in the two games since Brendon Rodgers has arrived at the King Power but it is a massive opportunity for the Clarets to move a step closer to safety.

Wins for Newcastle, Brighton, Southampton and Cardiff on Saturday heaped the pressure on Sean Dyche’s side. They couldn’t respond at Anfield but will be keen to end a three-game losing run when Leicester arrive in East Lancashire.

And with a reduced Premier League fixture programme owing to the FA Cup, the Clarets can take advantage of their relegation rivals not playing.

Only Newcastle are in action of the sides immediately around Sean Dyche’s side in the relegation battle.

A win would push Burnley up a place and restore the five-point gap to Cardiff in 18th.

While others will have games in hand it is points on the board that count at this stage of the season.

TO THE LEFT

CHARLIE Taylor was again impressive for Burnley at Anfield.

The left back seems to improve by the week. He made countless blocks and challenges and in the main coped well against Mo Salah.

The 26-year-old remains full of running going forward and could make a case for being man of the match in each of Burnley’s last three games.

Ahead of him, Dwight McNeil is another bright spot this season.

Dyche showed faith in the teenager to keep him in the starting XI for the 11th straight Premier League game despite having a fully fit Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady available.

The teenager has adapted well to life in the Premier League in the last three months and on more than one occasion against Liverpool he got the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

McNeil’s crossing remains a weapon and his ability to get on the ball and beat a man means he is always capable of creating a chance.