A late Georginio Wijnaldum volley ensured all three points were heading back to Merseyside as Liverpool forged their way past a sturdy Sheffield United side who put in a top-class performance at Bramall Lane.
A sellout Bramall Lane packed to the rafters, welcomed Liverpool, to what would be a really tough afternoon for the league leaders. Chris Wilder’s men controlled the first half fantastically. So much so, that the European champions couldn’t even muster a shot on target, despite completely dominating possession.
The Blades also had some great chances themselves. Midway through the second half, Callum Robinson found himself unmarked just outside the area but blazed his effort wide past Adrian’s goal. Oliver McBurnie also had a catalogue of half-chances, but the newly signed striker failed to produce enough quality to get anything from them.
Liverpool, despite their slow pressing, lacklustre passing and sloppy touches, managed to get their noses in front. Towards the end of the second half, substitute Divock Origi had his cross cleared but only as far as Georginio Wijnaldum, who struck the ball first time on the volley and it found its way into the back of the net. Liverpool’s lead was largely courtesy of Dean Henderson, who should have really stopped Wijnaldum’s effort with ease, but instead, the young goalkeeper let the ball squirm agonisingly over the line to give Liverpool the lead, and ultimately the three points.
Liverpool march on
Game number seven of the season, and win number seven for Liverpool – a fantastic start for Klopp’s men. Klopp will obviously be pleased with the three points, but he will also be aware of the problems the newly promoted side caused him. When out of possession, the Blades stuck five men in defence and had their midfield pressing at a high tempo. This seemed to push Liverpool back, so much so that the ball would often be recycled all the way back to Adrian, and Liverpool would have to start their attack again.
It wasn’t a diabolical game for Liverpool by any means but Sadio Mane didn’t look himself and missed a lot of chances that would have completely changed the nature of the game. In one instance, Van Dijk picked out the Senegalese winger perfectly with a long ball from the back, only for Mane to slice the ball high and wide over Henderson’s goal.
Liverpool continued to look threatening on the break and could have easily added more to their total. Mane missed another sitter late on; Salah set off on the break, played the ball to Firmino who put it on a plate for Mane about five yards out, but his shot rebounded off the post and away. A poor afternoon of finishing still ended up in producing all three points for Klopp’s side.
An encouraging loss for Sheffield
Some Sheffield fans could argue that their side have been cruelly denied a deserved point for their solid performance on Saturday. However, this match should produce positivity, optimism and overall encouragement around Sheffield. This week’s display will also challenge the stereotype that Sheffield United are tactically a basic side, as they proved on Saturday that they are not short of belief or confidence when it comes to taking on the big dogs.
After the break, the Blades should have taken the lead. John Lundstram, who was heavily involved throughout the game, had his goal-bound effort blocked by Andrew Robertson who flung himself in the way to deny the hosts from scoring. Such chances don’t often come around against Liverpool and United should gain confidence from the way that they pressured Liverpool into making mistakes and losing possession.
A day to forget for Dean Henderson
It could be argued that Dean Henderson lost the game for the Blades. The 22-year-old is on loan from Manchester United and many Red Devil fans have been eying him up as a backup or even replacement for De Gea. After Saturday’s disaster, it seems he may still have some developing to do in order to progress. Saturday’s error though doesn’t fairly represent his start to the season; Henderson looked great against the Cherries, denied Chelsea numerous times and kept a clean sheet against Everton.
In fact, regardless of his blunder, Henderson made a crucial save late on to deny Salah in a 1v1 which would have ultimately killed the game. Henderson got down low and blocked Salah’s effort, and because of that Sheffield were able to pile the pressure on Liverpool for the last ten minutes.
Chris Wilder sounded let down by his goalkeeper following the game: “he needs to do better, he needs to concentrate more. It’s a disappointing day for him. I am not going to put my arms around him; simply he needs to do better.”
A title-winning season for the reds?
‘This year is our year!’ How many times have we heard this before from Liverpool fans? But, this could actually be their year. The only other team to win their first seven opening games in the Premier League was José Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2005/06 and they went on to win and dominate the league. More so, Klopp’s side have won their last 16 Premier League games, their best ever top-flight winning streak and one bettered only by Manchester City in the Premier League (18 between August and December 2017).
Saturday’s display wasn’t a Liverpool performance of maximum control nor did they dictate or dominate the game, but it shows that even when it’s not their day, they can still find ways of winning games. This is alike to when City managed to beat Leicester last year, they had had an awful game, but it only took one moment – Kompany’s thunderbolt – to send them on their way to the title.
Up next
Wilder’s side travel to Vicarage Road as they take on the Hornets, whilst Liverpool host Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City, who are stating their claim for a top-four finish this season.
