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Curtis Jones inspired Liverpool to a comfortable 2-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Liverpool were without their custodian Alisson Becker, who was on compassionate leave after the death of his father, which meant Adrian started between the sticks.
The reigning champions uncharacteristically began the match in a quiet manner as they posed no threat in attack, giving Sheffield United the opportunity to run at their defense.
Oliver Norwood drilled in an excellent free-kick which was met by David McGoldrick, however, Adrian did enough to keep the ball outside his goals.
This seemed to have awakened the sleeping Reds, who soon went searching for the opener.
Brazilian striker Firmino drove deep into the box and into a shooting position, however, his shot was blocked by an inspired Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale continued his fine outing in front of goal, keeping the Blades in the game by denying Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looked to capitalize on a defensive mistake by Ethan Ampadu.
Both teams went into half-time at 0-0
However, three minutes into the restart, Alexander-Arnold drilled in a cross for Curtis Jones to fire home his second Premier League goal for Liverpool.
Sheffield hit back in search of a way back into the game, but when McBurnie was presented with another glorious opportunity, he fluffed his finish.
Liverpool soon doubled their advantage five minutes after the hour mark when Firmino, Jones and Mane linked up brilliantly before the Brazilian drilled home his effort.
After a review, the goal was awarded as Kean Bryan's own goal after it showed that Firmino’s shot was going out wide.
Liverpool did not drop the tempo as they continued to look to extend their lead and did just enough to hold on to the clean sheet.
The result now sees Liverpool move three points above bitter rivals Everton, with whom they could be tied with on points should the Toffees grab a win against Southampton.
Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points
#5 Liverpool win without Alisson
Brazilian first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker was out on leave after the death of his father.
While Adrian was rarely disturbed by the Sheffield United attack, he made three brilliant saves for Liverpool. Adrian, who has proved to be unreliable on occasion, was making his first appearance since the 1-0 win over Ajax in September.
In the run-up to the Ajax game, Adrian conceded a shocking nine goals in two matches as Liverpool fell to a 2-2 draw with Everton and a humiliating 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
#4 Curtis Jones stars for Liverpool
The Liverpool academy graduate was a standout performer against Sheffield as his 48th-minute strike gave the visitors a one-goal lead.
The youngster showed great maturity and composure in the center of the park for Liverpool as he kept the ball moving in midfield and in possession while also contributing brilliantly in defense.
His positional play and awareness were simply superb as he found pockets of space all game while linking up with the frontmen.
Jones grabbed his second goal for Liverpool when he drilled in a brilliant side-footed strike after a cross from Alexander Arnold.
Sheffield players protested the goal, claiming the ball had gone out of play in the build-up but after consulting with VAR referee Jonathan Moss confirmed the goal.
Jones has made 19 appearances for Liverpool, staring 11 of them this season.
#3 Relegation looms large for Sheffield United
After an impressive debut campaign last year, where they finished ninth and only missed out on the Europa League by two points to Arsenal, Sheffield United have been horrendous this term.
Chris Wilder’s men have picked up just 11 points from 24 games and are rooted rock-bottom in the Premier League table.
They have struggled to impress at both ends of the pitch, and while they have scored the least goals so far (15), they have shipped 43 goals already.
Sheffield United are 15 points adrift of safety, as Newcastle are ranked 17th with 26 points from 26 games.
This was their 21st loss in the Premier League and their fourth defeat on the trot since a 2-1 defeat over fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion.
#2 Liverpool return to winning ways
Liverpool ended a dry spell which began at the turn of February as they fell to four straight defeats between February 3rd and February 20th.
The dire run which included a shock 1-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion and a comprehensive 4-1 humbling to league leaders Manchester City saw Liverpool drop out of the title race.
Desperate for a first taste of victory in February, Jurgen Klopp named a relatively inexperienced side as Ozan Kabak and Nathaniel Phillips was the pairing at the center of defense.
Sheffield proved stubborn and resilient, but a goal from Curtis Jones and an own goal from Kean Bryan handed Jurgen Klopp’s men a 2-0 win.
With Manchester City now cruising to a third league title in four years, Liverpool will be aiming to build on this win and make a push for the UEFA Champions League spots.
#1 Liverpool frontmen struggling to score
It is well known that Liverpool are going through a defensive crisis this season.
However, their multiple injuries are not Liverpool's only problem this season, as the absence of key defensive players does not explain their inability to score goals.
The front three of Sadio Mane, Firmino and Mohamed Salah have scored a combined six league goals since the turn of the year.
Their slump in form might be due to individual fatigue, having played at their very peak for the past two years.
It could also be due to tactical inconsistencies or even just questionable decision-making on the part of the players.
Whatever the reason, though, it is certain Jurgen Klopp's men will be back to their usual dominant and explosive best as the side possesses too much quality to die out so soon.
