Liverpool overcome Sheffield United scare to keep Premier League title dreams alive

Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez both scored to help Liverpool to a nervy win against Sheffield United | Imago

Liverpool overcome Sheffield United scare to keep Premier League title dreams alive

Ayoola Kelechi 21:35 - 04.04.2024

The Reds showed nerves of steel as they dispatched Sheffield United to stay top of the Premier League

Premier League log-leaders Liverpool managed to fend off a resilient Sheffield United side to secure a crucial victory that keeps their pursuit of the Premier League title on track.

Goals from Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo were enough to cancel out a second half own goal from youngster Connor Bradley to seal a crucial win for Liverpool with the Premier League title run-in heating up.

How it happened

Heading into the match, Liverpool were well aware that only a win would suffice to reclaim the top spot in the league standings.

The game started with a flurry of action, as Liverpool immediately asserted their dominance with early chances. However, they were given a scare when James McAtee tested Liverpool's goalkeeper Kelleher with a fierce shot from a long throw. Despite this early warning, Liverpool remained undeterred and continued to press forward.

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In an unexpected turn of events, Liverpool took the lead through a bizarre goal. Sheffield United goalkeeper Ivo Grbić inexplicably fired the ball straight into Darwin Núñez, resulting in the ball ricocheting into the net. This stroke of luck gave Liverpool the advantage, but they were unable to capitalize on their dominance in the first half.

The second half brought about a twist in the tale, as Sheffield United stunned Liverpool with an equalizer. A deflected shot from Gustavo Hamer caught Liverpool off guard, leveling the score and setting the stage for a tense finale.

With the Anfield crowd growing increasingly anxious, Liverpool intensified their efforts in search of a winning goal. Despite Sheffield United's resilient defense, Liverpool's persistence paid off as Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, restoring Liverpool's lead.

Despite coming agonizingly close to extending their advantage with a free-kick hitting the crossbar, Liverpool managed to see out the remainder of the match, securing a hard-fought victory. Substitute Gakpo made sure of all three points, heading home from another Robertson assist to make it 3-1 to the hosts.

The win not only keeps Liverpool's title hopes alive but also highlights their ability to overcome adversity and grind out results when it matters most.

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