Ian Doyle rates the players after Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after they survived a scare against rock-bottom Sheffield United on Thursday evening.
Alexis Mac Allister and substitute Cody Gakpo scored after a Conor Bradley own goal had levelled Darwin Nunez’s freak opener to earn the Reds a 3-1 triumph at Anfield.
Caoimhin Kelleher 7
Fine saves at either end of first half to deny Bogle and dealt well with aerial balls. No chance with equaliser.
Conor Bradley 7
The main source of threat during the opening quarter with his thrusts down the right flank and quick crosses. Faded slightly second half but unlucky to deflect leveller into his own net.
Ibrahima Konate 5
Uncertain far too often on his return to the starting line-up and went missing for Sheffield United’s equaliser. Didn’t look hugely comfortable.
Virgil van Dijk 7
Rarely troubled defensively first half and saw plenty of the ball. Diagonal passes helped move Sheffield United around, and drew good save from Grbic with header.
Joe Gomez 6
Playing as the inverted left-back, another to have a lot of possession and linked well with Diaz. Wide with one effort before interval but found second half tougher going. Subbed.
Alexis Mac Allister 9
Passing still on point when back in a deeper role and covered defensively when required. Assumed responsibility when Liverpool needed it by blasting in second and hit crossbar with free-kick. Such a good player.
Dominik Szobozslai 6
Some decent passing first half but took a while to grow in influence in an attacking sense, drawing one good save from Grbic. Didn’t always make right decision second half. Subbed.
Ryan Gravenberch 5
Often on the fringes of the action, understandable after so long out the starting line-up. Looked particularly off the pace after interval. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 6
Created a few openings with passing although was a little ambitious with some of his shooting early on. Never got going second half. Subbed.
Darwin Nunez 7
Chasing down allowed him to score the opener off his backside and also forced one save before break. Second half remained a nuisance and some good link-up play.
Luis Diaz 7
Relentless running down the left flank began to poke holes in the Blades rearguard before the interval. Managed to maintain his level after break and assist of sorts for the second goal.
Harvey Elliott (for Salah 60) 8
Once again, a game-changing cameo from the youngster whose precise passing and care in possession made a huge impact.
Andy Robertson (for Gravenberch 60) 8
Trademark forceful runs down the left flank gave Sheffield United a new problem and excellent cross for the third goal.
Cody Gakpo (for Gomez 73) 8
Almost unrecognisable from recent outings and superb header for third capped fine cameo.
Curtis Jones (for Szoboszslai 73) 8
Made telling difference with ability to keep the ball and run with it at the correct time.
