The Champions end their losing streak with a 2-0 win against The Blades who sit bottom of the table. Curtis Jones set The Reds on their way and an own goal from Kean Bryan gave Liverpool their 7000th top flight goal as well as a vital 3 points.
The last month has proved difficult for the reigning Premier League Champions, whose domestic campaign saw them lose to Brighton, Man City, Leicester and Everton. A win at Bramall Lane was a must, even more so because their opposition sit rock bottom with losses in abundance. It’s been a tough innings for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season, that’s for sure. Yet, there was hope for the home side on approach to this fixture: they had a ‘free hit’, as it were, a real chance to take points from the out-of-sorts Champions.
Liverpool’s choice of goalkeeper was limited by the tragedy of Alisson Becker’s father passing away. It was up to Adrian to step up as he was given his opportunity. Liverpool lined up their 18th center back partnership this season, with Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips stepping up. Both would go on to have good games. It was pretty much as you’d expect for Liverpool everywhere else on the pitch. Scouser: Curtis Jones started in the middle once more and proved his value. The front 3 remained what you’d expect…
For the hosts, they set up with Ramsdale in goal (who would go on to be one of the best players on the pitch). In front of him was 3 defenders who Sheffield would ideally not use every week if they had their squad fully fit. Jagielka, Ampadu and Bryan were the ones who would aim to keep Liverpool quiet. In attack, it was all about McBurnie and McGoldrick, who would go on to cause The Champions some discomfort.
From the opening whistle, it was Liverpool who were on the front foot. Enjoying most of the possession, Liverpool still seemed unable to deliver the knockout blows which had been their trademark moves not so long ago…
Sheffield United are not a side to be mocked, in the slightest. Despite their worrying points tally, the side seems to stay in games until the bitter end. They persisted with their plan and tried to hit Liverpool on the counterattack. McGoldrick had some of the most promising moments for The Blades in the first half. His early header was parried away by Adrian and Liverpool received their early warning.
Just over half way in the first half was when it looked like Liverpool’s first goal was coming. Roberto Firmino’s strike was beaten away by Ramsdale, who would go on to stop efforts of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold: in a flurry of Liverpool attacks which Sheffield seemed lucky to escape un-scythed.
Half time came around and Liverpool were kicking themselves. A dominant display but with no end product…
Liverpool came out flying in the second half. Just 3 minutes in, and one of their attacks bore fruit. Alexander-Arnold’s cross was whipped in from the byline before a Sheffield defender helped it into the path of Curtis Jones who struck a venomous shot low into the United goal. 1-O to Liverpool.
After this, it was obvious that 1 goal was not enough for The Champions to prevail at Bramall lane, as they narrowly avoided conceding with Sheffield’s McBurnie nearly netting with his head.
Liverpool made it to the 65th minute and then took their opportunity for 2-0. Firmino’s trickery allowed him to beat his man, before his off-target shot was guided in by Bryan. 2-0. Liverpool’s 7000th top flight goal.
Little else would follow the goal, and Liverpool saw out a big victory in the Premier League. Their dismal run has finally ended. The battle for top 4 is on, and this result sets up nicely a fixture against rivals Chelsea on Thursday night at Anfield. As for Sheffield, well they’ve got an uphill task. 15 points adrift and it seems they are just playing for pride now, but who knows?
MC 