Liverpool cemented their second position in the Premier League table after earning a 2-0 victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday night (6 December).
The Reds enjoyed the lion-share of possession but they couldn’t create enough clear-cut opportunities. Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock in the first half after he drilled the ball into the net from a brilliant cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sheffield United improved in the second half and played with lots of energy and passion. However, they just lacked a bit of quality to get the equalizer they were looking for.
Here, Sports View rates the players out of 10 for their performances:
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
The Reds goalkeeper was alert to prevent the danger by coming up with a fantastic save to deny James McAteer after a mistake from Joe Gomez. He wasn’t properly tested in the second half and kept a clean sheet as a result.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9
The Reds defender has been in imperious form this season and once again he was amongst the thick of action. He was heavily involved in almost everything in the first half and provided an assist for Van Dijk’s goal. He was lively in the second half as well and nearly got his second assist, but Salah’s shot was saved. Produced a magnificent through pass to Nunez who only managed to hit the onrushing goalkeeper.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
The Frenchman was steady at the back and hardly put any foot wrong. He came up with a good header inside the Sheffield box in the first half but there was hardly any power in it and was saved by the goalkeeper. Lost his concentration for a while and got a booking as a result. Made five tackles overall, and some good clearances in the end.
Virgil van Dijk – 9
That was a superb performance from the Reds skipper. He made a fantastic block in the first half and broke the deadlock when it looked like the Reds are struggling a bit to open the opposition’s defence. Nearly got another goal, but couldn’t keep his header on target.
Joe Gomez – 3
Jurgen Klopp used him as a left-back and Gomez struggled all night. He was robbed off at half-line which nearly led to a goal. He was very casual with his passing and was sloppy with his distribution. Even when he got himself into good areas, he failed to provide any decent cross.
Wataru Endo – 5
Energetic in the middle of the park and looked busy throughout the game. However, he made a rash challenge in the first half that earned him a silly booking.
Alexis McAllister – 6
Looked like he picked up a heavy knock at the start of the game but managed to shake it off. As usual, he was very calm and composed with his passing and had a terrific volley saved by the goalie just before the half time. Struggled with injuries and was taken off around the hour mark.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
Another influential performance from the Liverpool summer signing. He was superb all night and was brilliant with his passing and link-up play with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz. Deservedly got a goal to his name, with Nunez turning into a provider. Great first touch, and an equally lovely finish.
Luis Diaz – 6
He always looked a threat on the left-hand side. His movement and awareness were fantastic, and provided a brilliant cross to Salah which the Egyptian couldn’t connect properly. He was replaced by Darwin Nunez around 66mins, and you get the feeling that he should have done better.
Mohamed Salah – 6
The Egyptian winger, surprisingly, was very subdued in the first half. He missed a good opportunity to score and also had one or two tame efforts on goals easily saved. In the second half, he nearly scored after meeting Trent’s cross, but was brilliantly saved. He couldn’t influence the game as expected and was replaced by Harvey Elliot.
Cody Gakpo – 5
The Dutchman was anonymous in the first half, and he barely touched the ball. It seemed like he hardly played. There was very little contribution from him overall. More involved in the second half but couldn’t quite manage to create chances that we know he can do.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister, 58′) – 6
Darwin Nunez (for Luis Diaz, 66′) – 7
Harvey Elliot (for Mohamed Salah, 66′) – 6
Ryan Gravenberch (for Cody Gakpo, 85′) – NA
