Liverpool vs Sheffield results, see Premier League 2020/21

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The historic 2-7 loss to Aston Villa has not cooled down, neighboring team Everton added another knife to the honor and pride of Liverpool’s defending champion by forcing The Kop to split points as the Red Brigade took the lead two times.

That 2-2 draw turned even more bitter when super midfielder Virgil van Dijk suffered a very serious injury and was in danger of having to rest until the end of this season. Fortunately, when negative emotions were compressed to the extreme, Liverpool were temporarily relieved by winning at least 1-0 in Ajax’s opening match in the 2020/21 Champions League a few days ago.

The victory against Ajax more or less raised hope for Liverpool’s defensive ability. It should be noted that since officially winning the Premier League title last season, Liverpool have conceded 25 goals in just 12 games. Even more surprising when, in the same period, no other Premier League club conceded more than The Kop.

Before that, Liverpool had to go through 38 new games to “rack up” 25 goals. However, Sheffield United, Liverpool’s opponent in the 2020/21 Premier League sixth round, is the only Premier League club this season that has never had a match ahead of the opponent.

The Blades’ strong style is to play on the prowl waiting for an opportunity, but right now the Sheffield defense is not strong enough to wait for the upline to score a goal before conceding.

Additionally, Sheffield United have lost 16/17 of their last away games against clubs that currently hold the title of Premier League champions. Furthermore, from last Christmas until now, Sheffield United have only won 1 game and scored a total of 5 goals playing away from home in the national arena.

Even if it was only at Anfield Stadium, Sheffield United’s last league win was … 26 years ago (draw 4, lost 19).

Compared to the last game (win Ajax) or more widely preferred style (4-3-3 strategy), Liverpool’s fundamental change in this game is that coach Klopp has cut down a central midfielder. to make room for another attacker.

Specifically, Diogo Jota is the fourth face in the attack line together with the “family trio” Mane – Salah – Firmino. Captain Henderson (who is not a starter against Ajax) will play as central midfielder with Wijnaldum. No. 1 goalkeeper Alisson also returned to the wooden frame, helping The Kop worry less about the rear against the background of super midfielder Van Dijk having to take a long-term hiatus.

In the second minute, Robertson passed a long ball to cross the left line and Sadio Mane escaped to control the ball, penetrating the 16m50 area before kicking the goal, but Ramsdale was no longer in possession, but a Sheffield defender was able to fall back . before the lime line.

The Premier League champions easily seized the outright advantage after the opening whistle and continuously attacked Sheffield’s goal. But it was surprising that Liverpool were the first to concede.

In the 11th minute, Fabinho fouled McBurnie just above the 16m50 line and referee Mike Dean initially gave the visitors a free kick. However, he later changed his mind upon receiving the signal from the VAR team. The free throw moved to the 11-meter mark and Sander Berge easily duped Alisson to give Sheffield the lead.

Having been led at home by Anfield, Liverpool had no choice but to pick up the team to attack and in return the rearguard became fragile and easily penetrated by the opponent. In the 21st minute, McBurnie slowed to catch his teammates’ slit, then crossed the corner and sent the ball narrowly off the post.

A few minutes later, Osborn crossed into the penalty area to catch a cross from the right wing and swung his left foot to catch the volley, but goalkeeper Alisson pushed the ball away.

Towards the end of the first half, Liverpool came to a standstill as the opponent defended, supported by the enthusiastic fighting spirit and the excitement sparked by the opening goal.

However, in the 41st minute, “Red Brigade” had leveled the score. Jordan Henderson crossed the ball smoothly from the right flank and Sadio Mane came down and sent a heavy header, leaving Ramsdale intact. Firmino rushed quickly towards the rock to support the network of visitors.

Going into the second half, with their mentality restored after returning play to the starting line, Liverpool continued to deploy attacks that threatened Ramsdale’s goal. But like the first half, The Kop was pretty stagnant.

It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that Liverpool got into a really dangerous situation when Arnold went through Sheffield’s defense to Salah to escape and control the delicate ball before defeating Ramsdale. However, the VAR team determined that Salah fell into an offside position and was therefore denied the goal.

But the home team is not sad for long. In the 64th minute, from the left wing, Sadio Mane crossed the ball and Diogo Jota turned very high, making an unstoppable header that took Liverpool to 2-1.

So that the people of Liverpool can breathe easier. Although the difference is only a fragile goal, Sheffield cannot turn the tables, especially while playing at Anfield. In fact, the visitors also tried to get some game situations, but the ball almost hit the mark.

As for regret, Liverpool certainly deserve this sentiment because in the 82nd minute, after receiving the ball from Wijnaldum, Salah quickly shook his body to get the attached player out to face Ramsdale, but the result of the last kick hitting the ball again. post.

Anyway, a 2-1 win, although not “beautiful”, is enough to help Klopp’s teachers and students earn 3 full points to get to even points with neighboring Everton (13), thus giving strength in part. Pressured the opponent to play later (as a guest from Southampton).

TEAM

LIVERPOOL XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Andrew Robertson, Joe Gomez, Fabinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum; Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota; Mohamed Salah.

SHEFFIELD UNITED XI (3-5-2): Aaron Ramsdale; Chris Basham, John Egan, Ethan Ampadu; George Baldock, John Lundstram (McGoldrick 76 ‘), Sander Berge, Ben Osborn, Enda Stevens; Oliver McBurnie, Rhian Brewster (Burke 54 ‘).