Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield United: 5 hits and Flops as Reds extend their unbeaten run | Premier League 2019-20

Jurgen Klopp's men took all 3 points at Anfield
Jurgen Klopp's men took all 3 points at Anfield

In what was one of the most free-flowing footballing matches in the Premier League this season, league leaders Liverpool continued their ascent at the top by taking all 3 points against Sheffield United in a 2-0 victory.

Both the halves of the game were pleasing to watch as the teams rarely fouled each other and the referee's involvement was minimal. The visitors had been on a good run of form lately but were outclassed and outperformed by a Liverpool team which dominated possession and had the bulk of chances. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah scored to lead their team to victory, and Jurgen Klopp's men set a club record by completing over 930 passes this game - the most by any Liverpool team in the Premier League era.

The home team also extended their unbeaten run to 37 league games, with 19 out of 20 wins in the league this season. Here are the hits and flops from this game:

#5 Hit: Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah got Liverpool up and running after scoring the opener
Mohamed Salah got Liverpool up and running after scoring the opener

Mohamed Salah does not go more than a couple of games without scoring a goal. After finding his lost touch a few weeks ago when he got back into the scoresheet for Liverpool, Salah has been an increasingly lively presence for the Reds as he showcased his 2017/18 form against the Blades.

The Egyptian King's interplay, pace and trickery troubled the Sheffield defence throughout the game and he was the one who found the back of the net for his team's first goal. Salah had four shots on target and three key passes as he was heavily involved in the second goal.

With Mane and Salah competing with each other for goals scored and both being in supreme form at the moment, it is hard to see anyone putting a stop to this Liverpool attack.

#4 Flop: Roberto Firmino

It was an off night for Bobby Firmino
It was an off night for Bobby Firmino

Liverpool's beloved false 9 found his goalscoring touch again as he netted a brace past Leicester City last weekend, but he had a game to forget last night. With both his forward partners Salah and Mane finding the net, Roberto Firmino's performance left more to be desired as he looked off colour from the very beginning.

Despite attempting 5 shots, not one of Firmino's efforts was on target and he failed to create a goalscoring opportunity for his teammates, which is something he usually excels at. The Brazilain international failed to convert a super bass by Trent Alexander-Arnold, and he lost the ball a couple of times in the middle of the park. Klopp will not be too worried as his team got the victory, but Firmino will be looking to bounce back in the next game.

#3 Hit: Dean Henderson

Dean Henderson saved his team some more blushes today
Dean Henderson saved his team some more blushes today

It is not often that a goalkeeper gets some applause after his team loses 2-0, but Dean Henderson's performance today deserves some recognition. Sheffield United's goalkeeper has been one of the standout performers in the league this season, and he showed the world why with his display tonight.

Although he conceded two goals, the scoreline would have been much worse if not for Henderson's brilliant saves to deny the likes of Salah and Mane yet another goal. The player made five great saves throughout the game and was by far his team's best player in a game where Liverpool dominated possession.

Henderson's recent brilliant performances will be a source of joy back at Old Trafford, where he will be returning at the end of this season.

#2 Flop: John Egan

John Egan's slip proved to be costly for Sheffield
John Egan's slip proved to be costly for Sheffield

To be fair to Sheffield, they were simply outclassed by a much better opposition who are arguably the best team in the world right now. As such, it is hard to pinpoint any one player who was worse than his teammates - however, it was John Egan's costly slip in the first half which gave Salah his goal, and the usually composed defender had a rough night at Anfield.

Although he won two tackles, Egan had a tough time going up against Mane and Salah as he could not keep up with their pace and dribbling for the most part in the game. His mistake gave Liverpool their first goal, and he was slow to close down Mane for the second goal of the game. Overall, it was a game to forget for Irishman.

#1 Hit: Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk proved once again why he is the best defender in the world
Van Dijk proved once again why he is the best defender in the world

We are not talking about Virgil Van Dijk as much as we were last season, but we should be. A colossus at the back, the former Southampton player had another brilliant game last night as he didn't give the Sheffield attack a sniff of his goal for 90 minutes.

Van Dijk was alert and confident at the back as he marshalled his defence and kept any advancing Sheffield player in check. He had three interceptions and five clearances today, but the standout moment came with his solitary tackle - Liverpool were about to be exposed by a good through ball to a Sheffield forward until Van Dijk stepped in. The Dutch captain timed his slide tackle to perfection as he robbed the opposition of the ball in what was a 3-on-1 situation, and prevented any sort of mishap for his team.

The centre back has been so consistent and so great for the past two years that it is tough for any forward to get past him. This was Liverpool's 5th clean sheet in a row, and no man has had a bigger role to play in the streak than Van Dijk.

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Edited by Amar Anand