Liverpool continued their fine run of form against newly promoted opposition but were made to work hard for their narrow win by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The result took them to seven straight wins in the 2019/20 season, keeping their five point lead intact at the top of the table.

The Reds had won their previous 12 against promoted sides, but had to wait until the 70th minute for their winner, and weren’t able to muster even a single shot on target in the first half. Jurgen Klopp chose to keep faith with the same XI that had done the business the previous week against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool’s two best chances of the first half both fell to Sadio Mane, but the usually prolific Senegalese international failed to convert both- one shot over the bar and the other hitting the woodwork.

A horrible mistake from Dean Henderson, the second youngest goalkeeper in the league after Bournemouth’s Ramsdale, finally saw the Reds break through. Gini Wijnaldum’s shot was spilt by the Blades keeper, and it went through his legs and over the line, much to the horror and dismay of the home fans.

Minutes later Mo Salah could’ve made it 2-0 and sealed the game for Liverpool, but was unable to beat Henderson in a one on one. The Blades could’ve made Liverpool and Salah pay for that miss, but veteran Leon Clarke, making his league debut, was unable to find the back of the net from close range in the 84th minute.

In hindsight, this was a game that the Reds deserved to win on the balance of play. The xG scores (1.17 for SUFC) and 1.97 for LFC, tells a story in itself.

SUFC 0-1 Liverpool (Wijnaldum 70′)