Jones: My goal was for your dad, Ali

CURTIS JONES paid tribute to goalkeeper Alisson and his late father after netting in Liverpool’s victory over Sheffield United. Alisson was absent at Bramall Lane after his dad, Jose, tragically drowned in Brazil earlier in the week. Without him, Jones’s second-ever Premier League goal — and an own goal from Kean Bryan — secured three points that took Jurgen Klopp’s side to within two points of the top four. ‘It’s been a difficult time for me and the rest of the team but I’m happy to get on the scoresheet,’ said Jones, 20. ‘This goal is for Ali’s dad, may he rest in peace. If Ali sees this, this is for you. ‘He’s a strong lad, a big player for the team. He’s not here today but we miss him and I’d like to dedicate my goal to him, his dad and the rest of his family.’ This win meant Liverpool ended a run of four consecutive league defeats. Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale had frustrated the visitors during the first half, but Jones made the breakthrough early in the second with a drilled finish. ‘I’ve always said I’m a player who likes to assist and score goals, the time is right now,’ he added. ‘All in all, it was a good team performance. We get three points and we go again. Today was a good example of putting it all together.’ Ramsdale was beaten again when Roberto Firmino’s screwed shot, which was heading wide of the goal, deflected off Bryan. ‘We gave everything tonight,’ said Ramsdale. ‘It’s definitely a disappointing dressing room because we could have got something.’ Liverpool boss Klopp, however, was pleased with his side’s much-improved display. ‘Plenty of people have written us off. That’s fine. It’s normal that we’re criticised. With all the problems we have had, we’re still around the exciting places,’ he said. ‘We could have scored three in the first half. What we created was very good. The finishing was good enough for today, but we can improve.’