Liverpool faced off against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane earlier tonight as they looked to return to winning ways in the Premier League. Both teams fought tooth and nail in the first 45 minutes but were not clinical in the final third as they went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
The Reds came out with a purpose in the second half and got themselves ahead in the 48th minute courtesy of a lovely finish from Curtis Jones. Kean Bryan scored an unfortunate own goal in the 64th minute after Roberto Firmino’s attempt saw the ball deflect into the Blades net. The Merseyside giants controlled the remainder of the game well and secured a 2-0 victory away at Yorkshire.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the match against the Blades.
GK: Adrian – 7/10
The Spanish veteran made a couple of decent saves during the game and deserves credit for securing a vital clean sheet away from home.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10
The English full-back did not take any chances with his passing inside his half and drove to the byline to deliver an inviting cross which led to Curtis Jones’ opening goal. He also went close to getting his name on the scoresheet but was denied by a superb save from Aaron Ramsdale.
CB: Ozan Kabak – 7.5/10
The Turkish centre-back had a few nervy moments at the back but did well to earn a much-needed clean sheet.
CB: Nathaniel Phillips – 7/10
Phillips won a lot of aerial duels and made one important interception for the Reds during the 90 minutes.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
The Scottish left-back was full of energy on the left-wing and engineered a couple of decent chances in the attacking third.
CM: Curtis Jones – 8/10
The Liverpool-born talent was not shy of having a shot at goal and kept his calm to score the opening goal with a controlled finish early in the second half. He also played a crucial role in the build-up to the away team’s second goal.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 7.5/10
The Dutch midfielder made some dangerous runs towards the Sheffield penalty box and went close to scoring but was denied by Aaron Ramsdale.
CM: Thiago – 7/10
The Spanish playmaker ran the show in midfield and played some brilliant passes during his time on the field.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 6.5/10
The Egyptian winger looked sharp when linking up play with others around him but was guilty of squandering two excellent chances to score.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 7/10
The Brazilian striker was always looking to play his teammates in by playing some lobbed balls behind the Blades backline. He also had a hand in Liverpool’s second goal when his initial shot saw the ball deflect off Kean Bryna into an empty net.
LW: Sadio Mane – 6.5/10
Mane orchestrated some decent chances for his teammates but never got a sniff at goal himself.
Substitutes:
CM: James Milner – 6/10
He added some energy to the Liverpool midfield.
CM: Naby Keita – 6/10
Keita offered very little after coming off the bench.
