Liverpool hosted Sheffield United for Matchday 30 at Anfield, aiming to retain the top spot from Arsenal. The Gunners had a solid outing on Wednesday at home, winning 2-0 against Luton Town and going one point ahead of the Reds. So, the Merseyside team needed a strong win and they did, winning 3-1 against the bottom-side club in the league and regaining the top spot.
Let’s take a look at how Liverpool found a win against a struggling side that pushed the home team to their very limits.
Darwin Nunez Took an Early Lead for Liverpool After Sheffield Goalkeeper’s Howler
The game looked in the balance until the 17th minute when suddenly Sheffield’s goalie made a blunder. What was supposed to be an easy kick, turned into a nightmare as Nunez pounced on his casualness. The kick rebounded off the Liverpool striker and the ball went back into the net. From there on, the home team controlled the ball for the majority of the first half until the whistle was blown.
Conor Bradley’s Own Goal Early in the Second Half
In the 58th minute, a cross from the right flank of the pitch was headed towards the goal from Sheffield’s No.8 Hamer. Unfortunately for Bradley, the ball hit his legs and went past the keeper’s legs in a flash. This ‘accident’ gave the relegation side the equalizer and a chance to come back into the game. It wasn’t until the late stages that the home fans had to wait to rejoice.
Mac Allister’s Screamer and Cody Gapko’s Header Give Liverpool and the Fans Big Relief
It was relentless pressure from Liverpool to take the lead but the team was denied on multiple occasions. However, things took a nice turn in the 76th minute when a rebound from Luiz Diaz gave Mac Allister a perfect opportunity to hit a screamer from outside the box. The powerful strike did not give any chance to Sheffield’s goalkeeper as the Reds took a 2-1 lead. Furthermore, the Argentine had a big change in the 84th minute when his freekick hit the woodwork, denying him his second.
A long-range cross from Andy Robertson from the left found Gapko inside the box, who sneakily headed it home for the team’s 3rd goal. The 90th-minute goal proved to be enough for the home team to collect all three points on a Thursday night. With this performance, Liverpool are now back to the top of the Premier League.
Also Read: Phil Foden Hat Trick Earns Man City a 4-1 Victory over Aston Villa
What is Next For Liverpool and Sheffield United?
After 30 league games, Liverpool found itself on top with 70 points, two points clear of second-place Arsenal and three points clear of Man City. With a +42 goal difference, they have the second-best record, only behind the Gunners (48). Moreover, the team will travel to Old Trafford next to face Man United, which could be the deciding match of this season for the Reds. Furthermore, the only recent loss was also in the same stadium when they got knocked out 4-3 by United in an overtime thriller.
As for Sheffield, things are turning from bad to worse. With the worst goal difference of -52, the team is at the bottom of the points table (15) and has a small chance to survive relegation. Burnley and Luton Town, who are 19th and 20th, are also four and seven points clear of them, respectively.
About Author
Siddharth prefers to watch almost any sport under the sun. From Soccer to Cricket to Tennis, to NFL and NBA, he follows it all. A literary student and someone who dreams to be a musician one day as well.