A two-game winless streak in the Premier League for the Champions was put to an end with a 2-1 over basement side Sheffield United on Saturday evening, with Diogo Jota’s superb display on his first league start for Liverpool FC, ensuring that Jurgen Klopp’s side took all three points from the Anfield showdown.
Despite going behind to the visitors in the first quarter of the game, the Reds held on to a convincing attacking display and put two past Chris Wilder’s men across both halves to seal a victory at home and move up to second in the Premier League standings.
TEAM NEWS
Diogo Jota was handed his first full Premier League debut for the Merseysiders by Klopp, and Fabinho once again partnered Joe Gomez at the heart of the Liverpool FC defence.
Alisson’s return to the starting XI for the fixture was one of the most talked upon events prior to kick-off, with the Brazilian taking the pitch after nearly a month on the sidelines.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The hosts did get a couple of good chances to take the lead in the initial minutes of the game, however, failed to find the back of the net on both occasions, owing to a solid defensive display from the Blades.
Sadio Mane looked certain to get his name on the scoresheet when the Senegalese forward latched on to a timely pass from Andy Roberton in behind the Sheffield United backline, but his effort on goal turned into an opportunity for the lurking Mohammad Salah to try his luck, only for John Egan to clear.
Minutes later, Trent Alexander Arnold tried his luck with an audacious attempt on Aaron Ramsdale’s goal from Liverpool FC’s own half, but the Blades No.1 was able to scurry back and deny the English international’s lobbed effort from turning into a one-goal lead for the Reds.
Just seen the replay. That's another horrendous decision from the VAR official. This time it's Andre Marriner.
Fabinho clearly played the ball and looks like the challenge was just outside the box.— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 24, 2020
A horribly mistimed challenge from the in-form Fabinho on Sheffield United’s Oliver McBurnie was at first adjudged to be outside the Liverpool FC box, but upon a VAR check, Mike Dean pointed towards the penalty spot, and Berge stepped up to give his side an unlikely advantage in the 13th minute of the match proceedings, with a finish into the centre of the net, despite Liverpool FC players protesting the decision of a spot-kick being awarded to the visitors.
Goalscoring opportunities were created on either end in the subsequent minutes following Sheffield United taking the lead at Anfield, with Gini Wijnaldum and Salah both having chances to trouble Ramsdale, only to be kept out by Egan and his counterparts in the Blades defence.
Klopp’s men did level the scoreline minutes before the end of the opening 45 minutes, and this time it was Roberto Firmino who found the back of the net after Mane’s header was denied only momentarily by Ramsdale.
Liverpool FC looked all set to grab a second goal following the second half commencing at Anfield, with Mohammad Salah’s curling effort being a bit too high for the Merseyside Reds to celebrate going forward against a solid looking opposition side.
A good block by Joe Gomez off an Oliver Burke shot on goal ensured that Liverpool FC kept the Blades at bay with their chances on goal, as the Reds looked set to take a lead heading into the final third of the game.
VAR once again turned a foe for the Premier League champions as a brilliant solo goal started from Trent Arnold’s looping delivery was turned into the back of the net by Salah, only for the Egyptian to be flagged offside by a VAR check.
However, Liverpool FC fans could rejoice only a couple of minutes later when a Sadio Mane delivery into the box found Diogo Jota, whose well-timed header flew past Ramsdale to put the hosts 2-1 ahead in the 64th minute.
Sheffield United did have a glorious chance to score an equalizer, with substitute David McGoldrick’s ambitious half-volley effort was just inches wide of Alisson’s goal.
GET IN THERE!! 💪#YNWA
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 24, 2020
The final whistle soon blew to mark the end of the Anfield fixture, and the Reds recorded their fourth win of the new Premier League campaign, as Klopp’s men endure a season full of difficulties both on and off the field.
