Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with a nervy 3-1 victory over Sheffield United.
Anfield had to be patient due to some strong defending from the Blades. However, they eventually got their breakthrough when the man of the moment, Alexis Mac Allister, fired into the top corner from outside the box.
Last Word on Football looks at the key talking points from the game as the Reds kept their title charge on track.
Liverpool 3-1 Sheffield United: Key Takeaways as Reds Continue Title Charge
Macca with the outrageous!!! 🚀#TeamPixel | #ad pic.twitter.com/gO5hNRCpmz
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 5, 2024
Lucky Liverpool Saved by Their Bench
Liverpool were playing with fire at the start of the second half. They were sloppy in possession and left themselves vulnerable to counterattacks.
Jurgen Klopp’s side got burnt just before the hour mark when Gustavo Hamer’s header deflected off Connor Bradley and past Caoimhin Kelleher.
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Once again, the Reds’ bench came to the rescue. The double substitution of Mo Salah and Ryan Gravenberch for Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott allowed Liverpool to attack with more intensity down the flanks and win more corners.
13 minutes later, with Anfield still waiting for a winning goal, Klopp trusted two players lacking in fitness and confidence. Curtis Jones hadn’t played since February 17th and Cody Gakpo hadn’t scored a Premier League goal since February 21st.
The pair helped Liverpool keep the ball and remain patient as they looked for a winner. Mac Allister’s wonder strike came just three minutes after Gakpo and Jones were introduced.
Klopp’s ability to rely on his bench has been key to Liverpool’s title charge and will remain vital as we reach the business end of the season.
Scrappy Win Was Not What Liverpool Needed Ahead of a Vital Weekend
Ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester United this weekend, the Reds would’ve been hoping to secure a comfortable win over bottom-placed Sheffield.
Instead, they were made to work for their three points, not finishing the game off until Gakpo’s header in the 90th minute. This would’ve angered Klopp, who probably wanted to rest some of his key players ahead of a vital trip to Old Trafford.
In contrast, Manchester City and Arsenal could bench their stars as they won against Aston Villa and Luton Town respectively. However, Liverpool’s departing manager could still take off Salah with 30 minutes to go and win the game. This demonstrates the Reds’ strength in depth this season.
Mac Allister Emerges as One of the Premier League’s Best
World Cup winner Mac Allister didn’t have the easiest start to his Anfield career. He was forced to play a deeper midfield role and struggled in his debut against Chelsea before getting sent off in his first Anfield start against Bournemouth.
However, since Wataru Endo became a key player in the defensive midfield position, the Argentine has been given the license to attack and has shown more confidence and creativity.
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Back in a deeper midfield role due to a knock to the Japanese international, Mac Allister still influenced the game by firing the winner home. Liverpool fans will hope that Endo is fit for the trip to Old Trafford and that the Argentinian can continue to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.
