Jones: My goal was for your dad, Ali

CURTIS JONES paid a touching tribute to goalkeeper Alisson and his late father after scoring in the victory at Sheffield United. Alisson was missing from Bramall Lane after his dad tragically drowned in Brazil last week. Without him, Jones’ second Premier League goal and an own goal from Kean Bryan secured a Liverpool win that puts Jurgen Klopp’s side two points off the top four. ‘It’s been a difficult time for me and the rest of the team,’ Jones, 20, said. ‘This goal is for Ali’s dad, may he rest in peace. If Ali sees this, this is for you.’ He added: ‘He’s a strong lad, a big player for the team. He’s not here today but we miss him for sure and I’d like to dedicate my goal to him, his dad and the rest of his family.’ Klopp echoed his midfielder’s message. ‘It’s a very nice touch from Curtis, of course, but it was clear it would be like this, that we’d try everything — not only for Ali but for Ali of course,’ he said. ‘It’s a very, very big result. It’s normal that we’re criticised, people have written us off. That’s fine.’ The victory ended a run of four consecutive league defeats for Liverpool and Klopp is hopeful Alisson, Fabinho and Diogo Jota will all return for Thursday’s clash with Chelsea. Jota, a long-term absentee, was originally in the squad but fell ill overnight. Sheffield United became the first team since 1970-71 to lose as many as 21 of their opening 26 matches of an English Football League season. Manager Chris Wilder said: ‘I don’t think there were any white flags flying. But this is an incredibly tough situation and one we don’t look like we’re going to get out of.’ Jones scored three minutes into the second half when some United defenders stopped, believing the ball had gone out in the build-up but VAR confirmed the goal should stand. Roberto Firmino hit the second when his shot, which was heading wide, deflected in off Bryan. Wilder said: ‘The gap is obviously huge at the best of times. It’s even bigger when you give away goals like that.’