Liverpool: Diogo Jota starts, scores and collects all the points for the Reds
Diogo Jota is living his best life at Anfield after applying the finishing touches to steal all the points in Liverpool’s late-night win over Sheffield.
Changes in the system and in personnel for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool but achieved their first win in their last three outings. Sheffield United, the better team over 90 minutes of football and a far from convincing display from the champions of England.
Back in second place thanks to two special moments in the game for the Reds. The Blades made it quite difficult for the home side but when the pair of opportunities arose, Liverpool made sure to finish them off.
Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United quick recap
The final score was 2-1 but could have been a lot higher and gone either way, to the Reds or to the Blades. Chris Wilder’s men got a bit lucky (depending on what side of the decision you stand on the penalty award) and took the lead 13 minutes into the first half after winning a penalty.
Sander Berge stepped up to the spot and sent Alisson the wrong way, giving his side the go-head in a game they were after all the points. They did not sit back and wait for multiple Red waves to come in and eventually knock them down. They attacked their opponents and did an outstanding job of it. What lacked? Their finishing in front of goal.
Following the goal, it was mostly the visitors who created opportunities and caused problems, and it was as if their stubbornness at the back was going to frustrate the home side all night. Thanks to loads of persistence and patience, the Anfield side levelled things just before the halftime break, through a typical into-the-box cross by Jordan Henderson and finished off by Roberto Firmino.
The second half was much of the same but as previously stated… Wilder’s men lacked quality in front of goal and struggled to finish anything they produced and put together. On the other end, Klopp’s bad luck with VAR continued as they saw another goal disallowed for offside, two in as many games, this time a lot more clearer and a good decision.
After 64 minutes of football, the Premier League champions took the lead for the first time through Anfield debutant, Diogo Jota. A superb cross by Sadio Mane was put away by the new signing with a fantastic jump and header.
Game, set, match… And just like that Sheffield’s hard work accounted for zero points while Liverpool’s second-rated display gets notched down as an ugly victory earning them three points.
What we learnt from the game
A win for Sheffield – Not a long way to go
A Blades’ first victory is around the corner. Their last couple of games were quite good but it’s just the lack of quality in front of goal that needs a lot of work. Rhian Brewster needs time but could be the key to success for Wilder.
Their nine goals conceded this season is not even the worst return in the league but yet they still only have a point to brag about. Will they get out of the bottom three? Yes, they absolutely will. Oliver Burke should be starting at some point.
He has the pace. With Brewster and him running at backlines it could be a deadly feature. Despite losing, there are more positives to take from their Anfield visit than negatives.
Liverpool need to step up their game
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They need to pick up the quality all around the pitch. But more importantly, they still maintain their unbeaten record at home with 64 wins, setting a new club record for going without a loss in the EPL at home. Another important point, Roberto Firmino scored. His last came in July and it is his first for the season.
Another game without Virgil van Dijk, another goal conceded. But it was a tough call and a small slip-up by the stand-in centre-back, Fabinho. The most exciting takeaway from this encounter, Jota is living up to his price tag and has been a top signing.
Two home games and two goals scored for the forward. He should keep his spot in the team, but as it was easy to notice, Liverpool struggled with four attackers on the pitch. Who should be sacrificed?
Related Story. Who of these defenders will be a Red?. light
Next up:
Liverpool welcome Danish side, FC Midtjylland, on Tuesday evening in Champions League football. For Sheffield, it doesn’t get any easier. They welcome Pep Guardiola’s Man City to Bramall Lane for their next Premier League encounter come next week.