Diogo Jota’s header helps Liverpool seal three points against Sheffield United

Diogo Jota’s form warranted a start for him in last night’s game, and he grabbed the opportunity with two hands.

It was the Portuguese international’s header in the last 30 minutes of the game that won the game for Liverpool which finished 2-1.

The Reds started the game rather brightly, however, Sheffield United were handed a penalty in the 12th minute of the game which disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm.

The on-field referee Mike Dean originally handed the Blades a free-kick on the edge of the box, however, VAR deemed Fabinho’s tackle on Oli McBurnie to be inside the box.

United’s number eight, Sander Berge, made no mistake from the spot, sending Liverpool’s returning number one, Alisson, the wrong way.

Penalty-winner, McBurnie, had a golden opportunity to extend Sheffield’s lead, however, his cross-come-shot wasn’t close enough to striker partner, Rhian Brewster, nor the goal.

Liverpool didn’t seem like their free-flowing selves as they failed to create chances until Jordan Henderson’s trademark cross found Sadio Mané at the far post. Mané headed the ball straight at Aaron Ramsdale but Roberto Firmino made no mistake with the rebound from close-range.

The teams went into the second half with a goal apiece, as the visitors’ defensive organisation proved to be a problem for Liverpool to crack.

The Reds thought they had found a way through the Blades’ defence, only for Mo Salah’s wonderful touch and finish to be ruled out by VAR as he was marginally offside.

Jurgen Klopp’s men continued to explore different options to get the winning goal, and it ultimately came via Diogo Jota’s well-directed header at the back post.

Sadio Mané did well to find Jota, but it was Jota’s leap and header which made the goal much more special.

Mohamed Salah had the chance to finish the game, but his close-range dink went over the rushing Ramsdale, but crashed against the post and fell right back into the hands of the English goalkeeper.

The win sees Liverpool level on points with Merseyside neighbours, Everton, however the Toffees currently occupy the top spot on goal difference. Sheffield United, on the other hand, stay 19th, but the performance and organisation at the back will give them reason to be satisfied.

Lineups:

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum; Jota, Firmino, Mane; Salah.

Substitutes: Adrian, Shaqiri, Minamino, Phillips, Milner, Williams, Jones.

Sheffield United: Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Stevens; Baldock, Berge, Ampadu, Lundstram, Osborne; McBurnie, Brewster.

Substitutes: Sharp, Burke, Jagielka, Norwood, McGoldrick, Robinson, Verrips.

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