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...
9. Gus Hamer 6.5
Started brightly enough with a few promising positions but then faded after Liverpool went ahead and ended the first half with fewer touches than the Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher. But cometh the hour (almost) cometh the man as he bust a gut to get into the box and got his head on McAtee's deep cross, before watching it bounce off Bradley and between Kelleher's legs for 1-1. He went down with cramp in the celebrations and didn't last too much longer, replaced by Osborn
10. James McAtee 6.5
Recalled in place of McBurnie to play off Brereton Diaz and almost justified the decision within the first minute when he had an unbelievable chance following Ahmedhodzic's flick-on but seemed to snatch at his shot a little and gave Kelleher a chance to block it behind. Looked dead on his feet as he picked up the ball on the right wing but knocked it past Gomez and delivered a deep cross which led to United's equaliser
11. Ben Brereton Diaz 6.5
Was inches away from his third goal in five days from the corner after McAtee's golden chance but he just couldn't get a touch on the ball at the back post after Trusty's flick-on. An ever-willing runner up front on his own but it was a tough shift with very little support, as shown by one early second-half chance when he was sent clear by Hamer but had no teammate within about 40 yards as he looked up for reinforcements. Ran his blood to water before being replaced by McBurnie for the last half hour or so
12. Subs: Oli McBurnie 5.5
Came on for Brereton Diaz and looked a threat in both boxes. Booked after an aerial challenge with Konate
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