Alexis Mac Allister’s late stunner before Cody Gakpo‘s clincher spared Liverpool blushes as they returned to the top of the Premier League.

After surviving an early scare, Jurgen Klopp‘s side took a 17th-minute lead when Ivo Grbic’s clearance was closed down by Darwin Nunez and rolled into the Sheffield United net.

The home side tried in vain to grab a second and were ultimately made to pay when Gustavo Hamer’s header forced an own goal from Conor Bradley.

A nervy few period followed before Mac Allister unleashed his thunderous drive in the 76th minute. Gakpo, on as substitute, expertly steered a header into the corner of the net to make the points safe.

Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL gives his expert view on which players impressed on a topsy-turvy night at Anfield.

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table after a 3-1 victory at Anfield

Alexis Mac Allister (right) continued his stunning form with a timely goal that gave the home side the lead late on

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Caoimhin Kelleher 7

Made some crucial early saves and has now played as many games as Alisson (24) this season but could do nothing to stop Sheffield United’s goal after Gustavo Hamer’s header hit Conor Bradley’s ankle and went through Kelleher’s legs.

READ MORE: Player of the year candidate Alexis Mac Allister’s piledriver was reminiscent of Vincent Kompany’s title-deciding rocket, writes LEWIS STEELE as Liverpool leave it late to beat Sheffield United 3-1
Conor Bradley 6.6

Extremely unlucky with the own goal but all in all, another performance full of quality. What a season the 20-year-old is having.

Virgil Van Dijk 7

Reliable, as ever. One of three Liverpool players including Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister with at least 100 touches on a night where they made it difficult for themselves despite having 83 per cent possession.

Ibrahima Konate 7

Did his job alongside Van Dijk and would expect the same pairing to start at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Joe Gomez 7

Mr Reliable. Another strong display. Taken off for Curtis Jones in the 73rd minute.

Dominik Szoboszlai 6.5

A good display on and off the ball. Was replaced by Cody Gakpo in the 73rd minute as Liverpool hunted a winner.

Alexis Mac Allister 8

Nominated for Premier League player of the month for March and the Argentinian has started April with a bang. Quality in abundance and capped off with a goal worthy of winning any game.

His strike had shades of Steven Gerrard against Olympiacos and time will tell how crucial it will turn out to be. Mac Allister has now scored or assisted in each of his last six starts.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk (right) was his ever-reliable self at the heart of the defence

Mac Allister began in a deeper midfield position before moving forward after Jurgen Klopp’s changes

Ryan Gravenberch 6.5

Didn’t do much wrong but didn’t do anything great either and his replacement after Sheffield United’s equaliser came as no surprise.

Mohamed Salah 6.5

An unusually quiet night for Salah who was taken off by Jurgen Klopp on the hour mark. The Egyptian did not look too happy with his managers decision either but he could hardly complain after the impact Harvey Elliott made.

Darwin Nunez 7.5

Even by his standards, his opening goal surprised everyone but he was rewarded for his trait of never stopping as he pounced on Ivo Grbic’s mistake. Nunez has now been involved in 15 goals (10 goals, five assists) for Liverpool in all competitions in 2024 – the most of any Premier League player.

Luis Diaz 7

Relentless all evening and rewarded with the assist for Mac Allister’s goal.

Darwin Nunez got more than a stroke of luck to open the scoring for the Reds at Anfield

Cody Gakpo made a telling contribution after coming on as a substitute with a superb header in the corner

Andy Robertson returned from a short lay-off through injury and provided the third goal

Subs

Andy Robertson 7.5

Came on for Ryan Gravenberch on the hour mark and made a huge impact down the left flank. Should have scored and got himself an assist late on with the cross for Cody Gakpo’s goal.

Harvey Elliott 6.5

Replaced Mohamed Salah on the hour mark and showed great energy. He teed up Robertson with a superb delivery but the left-back volleyed wide when he should have at least tested the keeper.

Cody Gakpo 7

Showed his worth off the bench with a brilliant header that wrapped up the three points.

Curtis Jones 6.5

Came on to strengthen the midfield and did exactly what was asked of him by Jurgen Klopp.