On Thursday, the Liverpool team overcame a surprising challenge from Sheffield United, who now are holding the last place in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Manchester United went into meltdown at Chelsea.
At Old Trafford, on Sunday ahead of their match, this served as the most recent reminder of the distance between the most difficult rivals in English soccer.
To reclaim the top stop, Liverpool defeated Sheffield United 3-1. Although, Manchester United lost to Chelsea 4-3 despite giving up two goals in stoppage time.
The result additionally showed the determination of Jurgen Klopp’s team and the growing influence of Alexis Mac Allister, whose stunning goal in the second half secured the match’s outcome.
In the 76th minute, the Argentina international sent Anfield into a frenzy as his unstoppable shot from the edge of the box slammed into the top corner.
The mood had been growing more tense, with the score tied at one. In the ninetieth minute, Liverpool substitute Cody Gakpo scored another strike to make the victory seem easier than it was.
Klopp said, “We had to dig very deep, but that is normal. Our attitude was good, the football was not great in a lot of moments.”
Even if Liverpool might fall out of the top spot a second time before it plays United on Sunday, the Merseyside team never fails to come up with solutions when facing battle against Manchester City and Arsenal.
In contrast, after losing to Chelsea under dramatic circumstances, United’s season spiraled further out of control.
The squad led by Erik ten Hag needs to prepare itself for the challenge of taking on a Liverpool team that is becoming more confident in its bid for the championship; things don’t get any easier.
Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, United suffered its 12th league loss of the season at Stamford Bridge in front of new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Ten Hag is coming under increasing strain.
He said, “In five days we dropped five points. That is unacceptable. We should have a high standard if we want to compete for Champions League football.”
United Stunned
After conceding late at Brentford, Cole Palmer’s two goals in stoppage time for a hat trick and an incredible comeback for Mauricio Pochettino’s team at Chelsea caused United to crumble even more.
After rallying from a terrible start, where they fell behind 2-0 early on due to strikes from Conor Gallagher and Palmer’s penalty, United were certain to win and gain momentum.
Before halftime, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes tied the score at 2-2, and Garnacho put his team lead after the break.
However, Chelsea received a second penalty after Diogo Dalot’s reckless challenge on replacement Noni Madueke, and Palmer, a lifelong United supporter, scored in the 110th.
The drama had not yet ended. Palmer’s attempt from outside the zone was deflected past Andre Onana a minute later, capping an incredible victory.
Pochettino said, “(I’m) So happy because I think we deserved to win. It was tough, but overall we were the better team.”
Liverpool On Top
Liverpool’s victory put them two points ahead of Arsenal in second place and three ahead of City in third, but Sheffield United had dared to surprise everyone in the race for the championship.
It had appeared to be a potentially frustrating evening at Anfield until Mac Allister’s score, as Conor Bradley’s own goal had canceled out Darwin Nunez’s opening goal to tie the game at 1-1.
After Mac Allister’s long-range goal gave the team a lead again and improved spirits, Gakpo headed in a goal to make it 3-1.
Gakpo said, “Patience is the most important thing. You can get frustrated or in a bad mood, but we stayed calm and focused.”
