Liverpool fought hard to secure a win against bottom-placed Sheffield United, reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League and asserting their control over the title race.
The hosts seized an early advantage in the 17th minute when Darwin Nunez pressured goalkeeper Ivo Grbic, resulting in the ball deflecting into the net.
Despite dominating possession with 84% in the first half and squandering several opportunities, Liverpool conceded an equalizer in the 58th minute as Gustavo Hamer’s header ricocheted off Conor Bradley into his own goal.
However, Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine World Cup winner and nominee for March’s Premier League Player of the Month, delivered a remarkable 20-yard strike, restoring Liverpool’s lead with 14 minutes remaining.
Mac Allister came close to doubling his tally with a superb curling free-kick that struck the crossbar, but Liverpool’s victory was sealed in the 90th minute when substitute Cody Gakpo headed in their third goal.
This outcome propels Liverpool two points ahead of Arsenal and three ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, with each team having eight league matches remaining.
Crucially, it keeps Liverpool’s fate in their own hands. They understand that victories against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Everton, West Ham, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Wolves will secure their second Premier League title, reaffirming their status as top-flight English champions for the 20th time.
Mac Allister wonder goal rescues Reds
The away team aimed to secure their first victory at Anfield since Jostein Flo’s brace secured a 2-1 win on April 2, 1994. Meanwhile, Liverpool had maintained an unbeaten streak of 27 home league matches, with their last defeat being a 2-1 loss to Leeds in October 2022.
Sheffield United came close to an ideal start, but a brilliant save from home goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denied James McAtee in the opening 90 seconds. Striker Ben Brereton Diaz couldn’t capitalize on Auston Trusty’s flick-on from the ensuing corner.
However, the visitors inadvertently gifted Liverpool an early lead when Nunez charged down Grbic’s clearance, notching his 18th club goal of the season across all competitions.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, particularly evident in the first half, the score remained 1-0 at halftime. Mohamed Salah missed two clear chances, Nunez failed to convert opportunities, and Joe Gomez, yet to score for Liverpool, saw his attempt curl wide.
Liverpool continued to create chances, with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai threatening, while Luis Diaz’s skill set up opportunities. But just before halftime, Jayden Bogle forced a smart save from Kelleher, serving as a warning for Liverpool.
Against the flow of play, Sheffield United equalized, causing tension at Anfield and threatening to deny Liverpool two crucial points.
It required something extraordinary to alter the course of the match, and Mac Allister delivered with a spectacular strike, easing the tension among home fans before Gakpo sealed the victory.
For struggling Sheffield United, the result wasn’t unexpected, with manager Chris Wilder acknowledging the monumental challenge they faced. The Blades, fighting to avoid relegation, sit 10 points adrift of safety, with matches against relegation rivals such as Brentford, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Everton remaining.
Liverpool, champions of the Premier League under Klopp in 2019-20, now prepare for a significant showdown against Manchester United on Sunday, following their thrilling 4-3 extra-time defeat in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford last month.