Liverpool player ratings v Sheffield United – 10/10 Mac Allister is sensational as 4/10 loses ball 11 times
Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners against bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday (4 April), returning to the summit of the Premier League.
Darwin Nunez was gifted the opener in the first half before the Blades notched a shock equaliser through a Conor Bradley own goal on the hour.
But man of the match Alexis Mac Allister stepped up to score a belter from the edge of the box to restore the lead on 76 minutes, before Cody Gakpo’s late header ensured the three points.
Jurgen Klopp made two changes to the Liverpool side that began the 2-1 home win over Brighton – with Ibrahima Konate replacing Jarell Quansah and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch coming in for the injured Wataru Endo.
Salah drops shock stinker as Mac Allister takes over once again in Liverpool win
Football Insider has analysed Liverpool’s players’ performances against the Blades.
PLAYER RATINGS
Caoimhin Kelleher [6]
Made a crucial early save to deny James McAtee. Didn’t have a lot to do throughout and was unfortunate as the deflection off Conor Bradley squirmed through his legs. Has now made as many appearances (24) as Alisson this term.
Conor Bradley [5]
Wasn’t at his scintillating best against lowly Sheffield United. Couldn’t do much about the own goal but also struggled to provide enough for Darwin Nunez down the right, failing to find the target with any of his three crosses on the night.
Ibrahima Konate [5]
Was beaten far too easily out wide before Sheffield United’s equaliser in his only meaningful action in the game. Liverpool fans will have been relieved to see him get to his feet after a strong challenge from William Osula.
Virgil van Dijk [6]
Kept Liverpool ticking despite not having much defensive work to do, completing 98% of his 100 passes. Was typically assured both in the air and in one-on-one situations.
Joe Gomez [6]
Another good performance for Gomez in a left-back berth, creating one big chance and winning four of his seven duels. However, with Andy Robertson coming off the bench and helping drag Liverpool over the line – could he be set to lose his place?
Alexis Mac Allister [10]
Insane. Ran the show once again in Endo’s defensive midfield role and scored a screamer to restore the lead. Mac Allister won six duels and completed seven defensive actions – including a huge last-man tackle.
Dominik Szoboszlai [5]
Wasteful performance from the Hungary international in Liverpool’s midfield, who lost the ball 19 times – the most of any Reds player. Laid on three key passes for his teammates but was accurate with just two of his 12 crosses. Has he done enough to prove himself to the Anfield faithful since arriving?
Ryan Gravenberch [4]
Disappointing. Was handed just his 10th Premier League start as part of the midfield rejig from Klopp but was hooked on 60 minutes. He lost possession 10 times and had just 46 touches despite playing in a more advanced midfield role, and spurned a good chance to double the Reds’ advantage in the first half.
Mohamed Salah [4]
Anonymous display from the Liverpool talisman, who was subbed alongside Gravenberch on the hour. He attempted just one dribble in that time and wasn’t close to scoring with any of his three shots. Fans will hope he rediscovers his best form in time for the title run-in after this surprise display.
Luiz Diaz [6]
He was a livewire for Liverpool, particularly in the first half, but struggled with a lack of end product. Made six key passes and was denied an assist when Gravenberch fluffed his lines in the first half.
Darwin Nunez [7]
Was gifted his 11th Premier League goal of the season by Sheffield United goalkeeper Ivan Grbic, which resulted in a boost in confidence. Missed two big chances but was a constant nuisance for Blades defenders, which is what we have come to expect from the Uruguayan.
SUBSTITUTES
Andy Robertson [7]
Provided more width for Liverpool after his introduction, peppering the Sheffield United box with 12 crosses in half an hour and providing the assist for Cody Gakpo’s late goal. He could return to the starting lineup at the expense of Gomez against Man United.
Harvey Elliott [6]
Was deservedly thrown on in place of Gravenberch and provided more of a problem for the Blades’ defence, even if his end product was lacking.
Curtis Jones [N/A]
Returned from injury to huge cheers, but failed to make a tangible impression on the contest.
Cody Gakpo [7]
Was given just over 15 minutes to impress by Klopp but did so with a well-taken header to seal the three points. Looked sharp with three attempted dribbles in his cameo and could be a valuable player for Liverpool off the bench in this title race.
In other news, Liverpool plan to activate defender’s “bargain” release clause.
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