Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Reds return to the top as Mac blunts Blades
MIDFIELDER Alexis Mac Allister scored the crucial goal which helped return Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and ease any nerves about an early wobble in the title run-in.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were by far the better team against Sheffield United but had to sweat for their 3-1 victory, with a top-class strike from the Argentinian with 14 minutes to go giving them control.
The World Cup winner has become a hugely-influential player in the last few weeks playing in a more advanced position – although he started this game as the holding midfielder before moving forward – and his goal had echoes of Steven Gerrard against Olympiacos in 2005.
Whether it proves to be as significant as the one which paved the way for their Champions League win will only be discovered over the next eight games but in the short term it took Liverpool two points clear of Arsenal and three ahead of Manchester City.
With games running out every victory leaves even less margin for error for their rivals, which was why Mac Allister’s goal, an unstoppable strike into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area, was so important after the chasers had both won on Wednesday.
Darwin Nunez’s 18th of the season – courtesy of a mistake from goalkeeper Ivo Grbic – had given the hosts a 17th-minute lead, only for Conor Bradley’s own goal just after half-time to ratchet up the tension.
The classy Mac Allister relieved that and substitute Cody Gakpo’s late effort was an added boost to the goal difference which could yet be crucial.
United have conceded 80 goals this season – more than any other top-flight team, with 14 of those coming in the last four outings.
Their first half was indicative of why they are bottom of the league and destined for a swift return to the Championship as a failure to take gilt-edged chances and an inability to avoid mistakes proved costly.
Mac Allister modestly played down his stunning goal.
“The most important thing is that it helped to win the game,” he told TNT Sports.
“Against Fulham they told me it was lucky so today I had to prove them wrong.”
Asked if Liverpool would now travel to Old Trafford on Sunday with revenge on their minds after their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, Mac Allister added: “I don’t know if it’s revenge, but for sure it will be an important game for us because if we want to win something we have to win every game and that’s the aim.”
Manager Jurgen Klopp joked that Mac Allister had “mishit” his shot, but admitted his side had been
below their best before he made four second-half substitutions, including taking off Mohamed Salah.
“Our general game until I think we made the changes was not great,” Klopp said on TNT Sports. “That’s what we have to admit.
“I’m really pleased for Cody (Gakpo) who came on and was incredibly good on the ball, scored a wonderful goal. Robbo (Andy Robertson) good, Harvey (Elliott) good, Curtis (Jones) good.
“They were really helpful and that’s how it is.”