Liverpool’s winning streak continued with hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sheffield United, where the result was far more important than the performance.
Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool
Premier League, Bramall Lane
September 28, 2019
Goals: Wijnaldum 70’
Jurgen Klopp‘s Reds were back in Premier League action against the newly-promoted Sheffield United and it proved to be a testing afternoon for the table toppers.
It was a disjointed opening 45 for Liverpool against a stubborn, organised opponent. Sadio Mane was the only player to come close to scoring, only to steer one effort wide and the other at the upright.
The second half followed a similar trend, only for the Reds to find themselves on the end of another blunder from the opposition ‘keeper as Gini Wijnaldum‘s effort squirmed under the legs of Man United loanee Dean Henderson.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the narrow victory on Twitter, Facebook and This Is Anfield’s forums.
A frustrating opening term raised the familiar issue of a need for creativity injected into midfield…
Gotta take your chances when you make them, but Liverpool need to move the ball quicker. Would’ve been helpful to have Naby Keita today and wouldn’t be surprised to see the Ox on sooner rather than later #SHULIV #EPL #PremierLeague
— Kop Magazine (@TheKopMagazine) September 28, 2019
A midfielder with a goal and who makes runs beyond the forwards would be really helpful for Liverpool.
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) September 28, 2019
This feels very much like an Oxlade-Chamberlain type of game.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) September 28, 2019
“We need someone to drive them back from the middle. I would put Ox in.”
– jabu on the forums.
Game’s crying out for a progressive midfield runner.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) September 28, 2019
Awful midfield performance offering nothing vs this deep block. Wijnaldum & Henderson against defensive teams away is pointless. Dozens of games like this. Must have Keita or Ox for balance
— Onry? (@Azrxel) September 28, 2019
And it arrived in the change of formation from Origi’s introduction, who made an instant impact…
Origi’s made a big difference. Very direct and powerful, causing problems.
— Taintless Red (@TaintlessRed) September 28, 2019
Needless to say huge element of luck to the goal but #LFC looked so much sharper after the switch to 4-2-3-1. It’s a system you would feel would well with Shaqiri. Origi was lively after his return from injury aswell.
— Jonathan Higgins (@Jhiggins3) September 28, 2019
Just want to point out that Wijnaldum’s goal came from an Origi cross
— JC (@scoutedfc) September 28, 2019
“Addition of Origi on the left has made a real difference to us.
Positive, effective and timely substitution by Klopp.”
– IIuvater on the forums.
I’m not one to go overboard but Divock Origi has basically played like Johan Cruyff since coming on.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) September 28, 2019
Mentioning this quietly, but Origi came on and changed a difficult game for #LFC. Isn’t that what a player good enough to understudy the front line needs to do? So much chatter after the summer about Klopp failing in not signing a striker, but that doesn’t respect Origi’s talent.
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) September 28, 2019
Sheffield United were deservedly handed praise for their ability to nullify Liverpool for a large part of proceedings…
Sheffield United been very good in the first half, making Liverpool incredibly uncomfortable and uncertain in possession. Key in the second half is getting Roberto Firmino more on the ball. Can’t remember the last time he was so anonymous in a half of football.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) September 28, 2019
#LFC should have scored in first half but overall Sheffield Utd controlled space and pressed really well. Their biggest achievement probably keeping Firmino off the ball.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) September 28, 2019
Whatever else happens this season, Liverpool will not have to work harder for three points than today.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) September 28, 2019
We take those wins Liverpool…
Credit to Sheffield, they were brilliant all over the park, played us perfectly.
I never want to see another 12:30 away game ever again in my life though…
Still, 7 out of 7. Top of the League. Now pints to settle the nerves.. #SHULIV
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) September 28, 2019
Sheffield the first team to restrict LFC from scoring 2 goals in 16 games.
Well done Sheffield United – played very well.
— GaGs (@GagsTandon) September 28, 2019
Overall, there were mixed performances across the board for the Reds…
Van Dijk exceptional yet again. Always in the right place at the right time.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 28, 2019
Virgil van Dijk is such a mood.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) September 28, 2019
Firmino coming off for Milner even though Salah’s performance is only rivaled by the Titanic vs the iceberg.
— Rex (@ThatRexGuy) September 28, 2019
Fabinho was outstanding again for Liverpool. Put out fires all over the pitch and so many occasions where if he wasn’t there, Sheffield United could/would well have been right on top of Liverpool’s defence. Best defensive midfielder in the country, possibly in Europe, right now.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) September 28, 2019
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a shocking game. No one in a Liverpool shirt bar Van Dijk, Adrian & maybe Fabinho have covered themselves in glory this game but Trent’s been on a different planet. Not a good day at the office in any aspect for him. #SHULIV
— Dan Griffin (@DanGriffin21) September 28, 2019
Mané has been a unreal player for us but he can really have that Napoli type game on occasions and it’s really frustrating.
— 9 (@EnRouteAnfield) September 28, 2019
Fabinho, Matip And Van Dijk have been amazing today, as per usual. Our core in the team is what makes us feel invincible. 7 wins out of 7.
— Sam (@SamueILFC) September 28, 2019
But despite the dogged performance, the result, mentality and winning streak was rightfully celebrated…
Well. That was less than entirely enjoyable. Still. Up the playing like hot garbage but still getting the three points Reds.
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) September 28, 2019
Not the best performance in terms of quality on the ball, but deserved win on clear-cut chances, denied penalties and having to face Anthony Taylor. Felt like a rabid old-style FA Cup atmosphere. Very tough game but a lovely finish to win it by the Man United loanee keeper.
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) September 28, 2019
Take them as they come. Easily the toughest away day of the season so far. Klopp will be frustrated, but once the dust settles that’s a massive win. In season’s gone by #LFC draw or lose that, every time. #LFCdigest pic.twitter.com/VUJMxavLOs
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) September 28, 2019
“What a performance by Sheffield. No one has given us harder time this season yet and we still managed to win. This kind of games win championships.”
– Russ Lukas on Facebook.
Not an easy game at all & the lads were far from our best – However, #LFC leave Sheffield with three points & a clean sheet. Seven from seven now for Klopp’s men – who currently sit eight points clear at the top of the table. Now over to the Ev! ?
— Carl Clemente (@clemente_carl) September 28, 2019
There’s something about this team, Klopp wasn’t kidding when he meant the boys are a bunch of fucking mentality monsters. How you win games does not matter as long as you keep winning, 7 straight wins to start the season is an unbelievable achievement.
— RF9 ?? (@SambaRole) September 28, 2019
What a win that is. This team always find a way. Seven wins from seven. Job done.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) September 28, 2019
Liverpool have taken 99 points from their last 38 games, a new club record. Up the Reds.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) September 28, 2019
If you can’t be good, be lucky. Always going to have games like that. You just have to win regardless. 8 points clear at top. Over to you City
— Jeff Goulding (@ShanklysBoys1) September 28, 2019
