It was a performance of pride but no points for Sheffield United at Anfield this evening as they were beaten 3-1 by title chasing Liverpool. The Blades went behind after a horror moment for goalkeeper Ivo Grbic, whose kick was chased down and deflected in by Darwin Nunez, but the visitors stayed in the game and got back on level terms in the second half through Conor Bradley’s own goal.
Liverpool went back ahead through a screamer from World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who rifled a shot into the top corner, before sub Cody Gakpo headed in Andy Robertson’s deep cross to put the gloss on victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men in their pursuit of the Premier League title. Here’s how we rated United’s players on the night...
5. Jack Robinson 6
A proud moment for the ex-Liverpool man and local boy to lead out his team at Anfield but he didn't have the easiest of times early on as Nunez and Salah had a fair bit of joy cutting across him and posting dangerous crosses across the face of goal. But improved as the game went on and showed some lovely composure on the ball to bring it out of defence
6. Auston Trusty 7
The American had struggled against Saka of Arsenal and Traore of Fulham in recent weeks but was given a reprieve here to face the ridiculously tough test of keeping Mo Salah quiet. He stuck to it well and can be pleased with his evening's work before he made way
7. Vini Souza 6
A solid rather than spectacular performance from Souza in midfield, as he broke up play well in some instances and wasn't quick enough to distribute the ball to a teammate in others
8. Ollie Arblaster 6
Faced by some distance the most difficult test of his formative career to date against Szoboszlai and World Cup winner Mac Allister and will have learned a great deal from it. Didn't look overawed by the challenge and showed some nice moments on the ball but (completely understandably) didn't have a great deal of time to get the ball down and play as he'd have liked