The Thursday night encounter beneath the Anfield lights provided an excellent pre-weekend atmosphere as the Reds pushed to reclaim their position at the top of the Premier League.
The lineup and subsequent ratings are presented below.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0
The 25-year-old Irishman returned to action a week before Alisson Becker’s anticipated return.
His first-half efforts consisted of watching and receiving the occasional ball into his feet or hands while his colleagues took the game to the bottom-of-the-table squad. He would not be called into action until stoppage time after the first 45 minutes, when he saved and then buried a brilliantly struck shot. The goalkeeper couldn’t do much about the surrendered goal in the second half since it deflected beneath him. For the rest of the game, the deputy keeper was efficient and commanding when required.
Joe Gomez – 6.0
The England international defender is the consistent choice at left back right now, and he began the game with energy and determination to get forward. The 26-year-old was always eager to receive the ball, and his pace and power helped hold back the Blades throughout a hectic first 45 minutes. After the break, the former Charlton player resumed his fullback duties before switching to holding midfield, where he continued to provide the necessary energy.
Subbed – 73 minutes
Conor Bradley – 6.0
The young Northern Irishman is currently the Premier League’s best attacking fullback, as seen by his impressive start. With a desire to provide width and support, Mohamed Salah’s unrelenting energy allowed him to constantly creep inside. As the second period began, the 20-year-old lost his momentum and determination as the Reds became hesitant. As the home team fell, he angled the ball past his own keeper thanks to an unfortunate deflection.
Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0
After a weekend off, the France international behemoth returned to the starting lineup. The former RB Leipzig player’s strength and physicality were on display every time the visitors dared to push forward in a commanding first half performance. After the break, the 6ft 4inch defender had the entire crowd in a fright when he collapsed severely under a challenge before rising to resume his excellent work.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this squad shown remarkable alertness and speed from the start, as his drive to cut the pitch in half allowed his colleagues to surge ahead. With leadership of his team, the 32-year-old’s confidence grew during the first half. Following the restart of the game, the former Celtic player was dependable in the few defensive efforts that came his way, but he could do little about the goal surrendered.
Alexis MacAllister – 9.0
The Argentina World Cup winner was put back in the holding position ahead of his wounded Japanese partner. His role involved occupying space and controlling possession, which may have limited his capacity to influence attacking patterns of play. As the second half began, the former Brighton player was quickly moved forward and into a more prominent role, allowing him to win the game with a fantastic goal and superb late-game effort.
Man of the Match
Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0
The Dutch under-21 star returned to the starting lineup, and his early efforts proved to be the fulcrum of the attack. In a disjointed first half, the former Ajax prodigy threatened but failed to deliver, as uncertainty was his standard output. The second half did not last long for the man who is battling to be a member of v2.0.
Subbed – 60 minutes
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7.0
The Hungarian captain appeared significantly sharper on the ball, as his match fitness and rhythm exploded in a hectic first half. With one fine effort until the end, the former RB Leipzig player attempted to shift up a gear in the second half but was unable to make a good impression until he was replaced.
Subbed – 73 minutes
Luis Díaz – 8.0.
The Colombian flier began this game with a willingness to cut inside, which occasionally befuddled and clogged the midfield. Later in this busy first half, some spectacular footwork and sharp touches should have extended his team’s lead, but others made poor decisions. As the sides reentered the stadium, the former Porto player was once again solid in attack, setting up Liverpool’s second goal with an assist.
Darwin Núñez scored 7.0.
The Uruguayan Raging Bull was the man on the spot to score the first goal, as his persistence and a well-placed rear end helped him break the early tie. A difficult spell followed, with too many deep blocks and bad final balls into the striker. As the second half began, the former Benfica player tried and tried, leading the line with great enthusiasm, but he couldn’t locate the second goal.
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King began this game as more of a chance creator, with one good long-range effort going just over the crossbar. The first half was very calm, with Chris Wilder choosing to surround the former Roma player at all times. As the second half began, the 31-year-old attacker was once again limited and exited the game early.
Subbed – 60 minutes
Andy Robertson: 7.0 (on 60)
Came on to add intense competition and provide an excellent assist for Cody.
Harvey Elliott: 7.0 (on 60)
Came on to add vigor and thrust.
Curtis Jones – 6.0 (from 73)
Came on to gain vital minutes.
Cody Gakpo scored 7.0 (on 73).
Came on and scored a beautiful header.
The manager
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
The German manager went very strong and highly offensive for this home game, as goal difference and the ability to inflict harm on the Premier League’s worst team became increasingly important in German thinking.
A fortunate first goal relieved the tight game situation and restricted space, making concentration the most critical component from that point forward. The second half was the opposite, with the Blades scoring an unexpected equaliser. The German coach made swift modifications, which helped his team win.
Unlike the previous season, constructive changes are being made to address what isn’t working, and while one or two beginning choices didn’t work, they were fixed and the game was won.
