Sheffield United weren’t given a chance by anybody to get a result away at Liverpool on Thursday night, but they did give the hosts some scares before suffering an eleventh away defeat of the season.
Despite a setback initiated by Ivo Grbic’s unforced error, Sheffield United displayed remarkable resilience against their title-chasing opponents. They managed to level the score before the hour mark through an own-goal by Conor Bradley. However, late goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo tilted the outcome in favour of Liverpool, sealing their victory.
Sheffield United player grades
Ivo Grbic: 3
The jury is out on the Croatian, and in fact many supporters on social media are now calling for Wes Foderingham to be reinstated as the Blades stopper. Grbic gave Liverpool the lead after dallying on the ball and blasting it against Darwin Nunez.
Grbic ended the game with six saves, but with a shocking -1.21 goal prevented number (SofaScore) and he finished the match with 14% passing accuracy.
Jayden Bogle: 7
Up against an in-form Luis DIaz, Bogle’s work was cut out but he did stick to his guns making three successful tackles and winning six of nine duels. He even provided the Blades with an attacking spark completing two dribbles and having an effort well saved by Kelleher.
Mason Holgate: 6
Decent enough defensively but some dodgy looking moments in possession. Made a couple of last ditch blocks.
Anel Ahmedhodzic: 7
The type of performance Sheffield United fans have been waiting to see from the Bosnian. He did his best to thwart a constant wave of Liverpool attacks, making plenty of clearances, blocks, tackles and interceptions. He also made an excellent last man tackle at one point.
And right at the start of the game, Ahmedhodzic could’ve had an assist after his flick-on from a long throw-in saw McAtee free at the far post.
Jack Robinson: 7
Solid enough defensively as usual from Robinson, making a bunch of clearances and tackles. He ended the match winning 100% of his duels.
Auston Trusty: 7
A much-improved performance from Trusty as he faced one of the best wide forwards in the world in Mohamed Salah. The American international won his fair share of duels and has perhaps played himself back into the left-back/left-wingback role.
Vinicius Souza: 6
Screened the defence well but his passing was terrible for a Premier League midfielder completing just 36% of his passes.
Oli Arblaster: 6
The 19-year-old’s first taste of a “Premier League big six” away fixture and the boyhood Blade can be proud of his performance in a really grueling game.
Gustavo Hamer: 7
The Dutchman was buzzing all over the field in a bid to try and claw the Blades back into the contest. And in the 58th minute Hamer played a massive part in the equaliser as his header at the back post cannoned off Conor Bradley and tumbled into the goal right in front of the travelling fans.
Unfortunately he injured himself in the process and was subsequently substituted minutes later.
James McAtee: 7
McAtee was handed a start over Oli McBurnie and the Manchester City loanee should’ve put the Blades in front inside a minute after he latched onto a flick-on from Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Nevertheless, it was a good display from McAtee as he ended the game with two key passes and four out of four dribbles completed.
Ben Brereton-Diaz: 6
The Chilean never really had a chance to use his explosivity against Liverpool, and without a target man to play off of he did struggle in that central striker position.
