Liverpool moved 13 points at the top of the Premier League after a very impressive 2-0 win against Sheffield United at Anfield. The Reds controlled the game from start to finish and fully deserved the 3 points and a clean sheet.
In goal, Alisson had very little to do once again, until the last 5 minutes. Sheffield United looked certain to score, but Ollie McBurnie couldn’t get enough power on his shot, allowing our gloved Brazilian to catch the ball before it passed across the goal line.
In defence, Trent, Robertson, Van Dijk and Gomez can be delighted with their performances. They gave barely any chances away for the entirety of the game, showing real aggression and desire to win the ball back. To add to the brilliant defending, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were constantly bombing forward to help the attack. A truly complete performance from the back four.
Naby Keita was set to start alongside Henderson and Wijnaldum in midfield, however, after picking up an injury in the warm-up, James Milner took his place. Much like the defence, the midfield was excellent. All three were first to every ball and simply wanted it far more than the opposition. Although they weren’t hugely involved in attack, that wasn’t what was asked of them. Defensively they were brilliant and worked their socks off until the final whistle.
The Fab Three started up-front yet again, with Mo Salah getting himself a goal and (sort of) an assist and Sadio Mane scoring the other. Both the Egyptian and the Senegalese caused Sheffield United so many problems with their pace and movement, never giving the Blades’ back five a moment’s respite. Roberto Firmino didn’t have his best game, often choosing the wrong pass in dangerous positions, while also being well off with the power in his delivery. Thankfully, we didn’t need him to be on top of his game to win this one at a canter.
There were a lot of potential Men of the Match, but I’m going to give this one to Jordan Henderson. Hearing Steve McManaman also choose the captain almost made me change my mind as no one wants to share an opinion with him. However, I’m sticking with it. Henderson was very good defensively and was reasonably positive in his passing compared to how he can be in the majority of games. Potentially his best performance of the season.
