Liverpool beat struggling Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane on Wednesday as Jurgen Klopp’s side stay in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Virgil van Dijk volleyed Liverpool ahead in the first half but Sheffield United, under Chris Wilder once again as he returned to Bramall Lane, were dangerous on the counter and had some decent chances but Caoimhin Kelleher came up big for Liverpool.
After a few nervy moments for Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai then sealed the win in second half stoppage time as Jurgen Klopp’s side are unbeaten in eight and have won four of their last six games. The Reds have 34 points and sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Sheffield United remain bottom of the table on five points and are four points from safety.
Counter attacks still a concern for Klopp
Liverpool did just about enough to earn this victory. It wasn’t pretty and falls under the category of the kind of game you have to win to be in the title race. But we still saw plenty of struggles defending counter attacks which suggest that Liverpool may not quite be in the race for the Premier League title this season. Struggling Sheffield United hit them on the counter several times and it was only a superb save from Kelleher and some good last-ditch defending from Van Dijk which bailed them out in the first half. This Liverpool side still give up plenty of big chances in each and every game and that is something they have to limit if they’re serious about staying in this Premier League title race. Klopp knows it but up until this point he hasn’t been able to find the right balance, in midfield or out of possession, to show that he has found a solution. Still, it’s nice to keep winning games and be two points off the top of the table when you’re not at your best and have yet to really hit top gear this season.
Sheffield United vs Liverpool player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see that Alexander-Arnold had another great day as his assist for Van Dijk’s goal and covering defensive play helped out Liverpool at both ends of the pitch. The goalscorers, Van Dijk and Szoboszlai, were also excellent.
What’s next?
Sheffield United host Brentford on Saturday, Dec. 9. Liverpool head to Crystal Palace on the same day in the early game.
How to watch Sheffield United vs Liverpool live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 2:30pm ET (Wednesday, Dec. 6)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Full time: Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool
That wasn’t straightforward for Liverpool but they got the job done with minimum fuss in the end. Still, plenty for Sheffield United to be happy about and Chris Wilder will build on that display. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool still looked shaky on the counter but they were in control of this game for large periods.
Dominik Szoboszlai seals the win - Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool (95th minute)
That will do it. Liverpool seal it late on as Darwin Nunez puts in a hefty challenge but play is waved on and he clips the ball to Szoboszlai who slams home to send the away fans wild.
Liverpool huffing and puffing
Sheffield United have looked dangerous on the counter a few times but Liverpool are pressing for the second and substitute Darwin Nunez is making plenty of runs behind.
What a stop from Foderingham to deny Salah!
Salah volleys towards goal but Foderingham pushes it over superbly. Even the Liverpool fans in the away end are applauding that save.
Half time: Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool
Not a great first half from Liverpool but after Virgil van Dijk put them ahead they kicked on and look very likely to grab a second goal soon. Sheffield United have been dangerous on the counter so Liverpool have to be careful.
Captain Virgil van Dijk puts Liverpool ahead from a corner - Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool (37th minute)
A corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right falls to Virgil van Dijk and he calmly volleys home. There was a VAR check for a possible foul by VVD but the goal stands. That is a lovely finish and Liverpool look full of confidence now.
Good save from Kelleher to deny McAtee!
That was almost an opener for the hosts on the counter. Kelleher denies McAtee with a really smart save from six yards out. It was a good break from Sheffield United as Archer led the counter after he got the ball off Joe Gomez far too easily. The home fans at Bramall Lane are buzzing after that. Sloppy from Liverpool.
Sheffield United lineup
Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, McAtee, Souza, Hamer, Brooks; Archer, Osula
Liverpool lineup
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Focus on Sheffield United, team news
The Blades have some big injuries in defense but that is no excuse for conceding so many goals so far this season. They need to hang in there against Liverpool, hope for the best and in Cameron Archer up top they have a player who can take a half chance. Wilder will likely stick with the 3-5-2 formation that he prefers and he demands overlapping and attacking galore.
OUT: John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh), Ollie McBurnie (suspended), George Baldock (thigh)
Focus on Liverpool, team news
With Alisson out for the weekend win against Fulham, Kelleher was tasked with taking his chance in goal and he will once again be named as the starter. Liverpool have so many attacking options, both in midfield and attack, that Klopp has to get the balance right. They are struggling to do that but when Alexis Mac Allister and Trent Alexander-Arnold score goals like they did at the weekend, who can blame Liverpool for going with all-out attack?
OUT: Alisson (thigh), Diogo Jota (undisclosed), Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (groin)