Ashley Barnes hails a 'special' moment as striker's 100th career goal downs the champions at Anfield!

Burnley's English striker Ashley Barnes celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2021.

The 31-year-old striker showed nerves of steel to convert from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after being upended by Alisson.

And in reaching the three-figure milestone, which was accumulated across all competitions, he ended Liverpool's phenomenal 68-game unbeaten league run at home.

“It’s a special one. To get my 100th goal at a place like this is special,” said Barnes, who became Burnley's first match-winner at Anfield since Ian Brennan in 1974.

Ashley Barnes of Burnley scores their team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 21, 2021 in Liverpool, England.

“It’s a big achievement to get to 100 goals but more importantly we came here and did the job and got the three points.

“Their record here speaks for itself and to come to the champions and do that is something special.”

Burnley's second win on the road this term lifted the Clarets seven points clear of the relegation zone and only goal difference separates them from 15th place Newcastle United.

Sean Dyche's side, who beat Arsenal at the Emirates last month, the club's first success against the Gunners in the Premier League, produced a determined defensive display to restrict the Reds.

Burnley's English striker Ashley Barnes (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2021.

Jurgen Klopp's side had the lion's share (72%) of possession and fashioned 27 attempts at goal, but failed to find the net for a fourth time in five games in the top flight.

After limiting the hosts to just six shots on target, and collecting a seventh clean sheet of the season in the process, Barnes doffed his cap to his team-mates.

“We knew it was going to be a massive win if we could get it and luckily enough we did,” he said.

“We know we’re better than where we are in the league. A couple of the teams around us have won lately so we knew it was vital for us to get something.

“It’s the team performance that stood out and everyone deserves credit.

“I believe in every one of my team-mates. You know they’re right behind you and the reaction I had in the changing room when I walked back in was something special.”