Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United: Player Ratings as Reds Come From Behind to Claim Crucial Victory

Liverpool came from behind to beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday evening, getting the Premier League champions back to winning ways in the Premier League.

The Blades took a shock lead early on when they were awarded a controversial penalty following a poor challenge by Fabinho, and Sander Berge kept his head to convert from 12 yards. The visitors threatened to extend their lead on a couple of occasions, but it was Liverpool who struck next, with Roberto Firmino tapping home from close range.

Both sides came flying out and had chances in the second half, but it was Liverpool who thought they'd claimed the advantage just after the hour mark, when Mohamed Salah brilliantly controlled and volleyed the ball home. Unfortunately for the Egyptian star, he was adjudged to be offside.

Jurgen Klopp's men didn't have to wait long to score again however, with Diogo Jota heading home a wonderful cross from Sadio Mane. The two teams pushed to add to the scoreline, and Salah hit the post late on, wasting the opportunity to wrap up the game.

Liverpool saw out the game to claim all three points however, lifting them into second place in the Premier League table. As for Sheffield United, they remain pointless and second bottom in the league.

Let's take a look at the player ratings from a compelling 90 minutes of action at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Alisson Becker (GK) - 6/10 - What a relief for Reds to see this guy between the sticks again. Could do nothing to stop Berge's penalty. Almost caught on the ball in real Adrian fashion. Pulled off some good saves to maintain the lead.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - 7/10 - Almost scored from his own half, the cheeky bugger. Rampaged up and down the right, providing a constant outlet. Beautiful assist for Salah's non-goal.

Fabinho (CB) - 6/10 - Conceded a (suspect) penalty with an extremely clumsy challenge on the edge of the box. Battled bravely against McBurnie and a barrage of crosses.

Joe Gomez (CB) - 7/10 - Didn't quite hit the heights he enjoyed against Ajax, but grew into the game, putting in an excellent second half performance.

Andy Robertson (LB) - 6/10 - Allowed plenty of attacks to come down his flank, as Sheffield United found some joy on the right flank. Tracked back and got stuck in as always.

2. Midfielders

Georginio Wiljnaldum (CM) - 7/10 - Full of energy and determination, offered another threat when flying into the box. Opened play nicely from side to side.

Jordan Henderson (CM) - 8/10 - A lot of responsibility in a two-man midfield, but charged around winning tackles and propelling Liverpool forward. A typical captain's performance.

3. Forwards

Diogo Jota (RW) - 7/10 - Darted and flitted around without really penetrating the defence during a quiet first half. Came to life in the second, scoring a great header to give his side the lead.

Roberto Firmino (ST) - 7/10 - Dropped deeper and played more as an attacking playmaker. Finally found the net at Anfield - although it was impossible to miss.

Mohamed Salah (ST) - 7/10 - Should have handed Liverpool the lead but wasted a great one-on-one opportunity on the stroke of half-time. Fired a superb volley, only to be marginally offside. Hit the post later on.

Sadio Mane (LW) - 8/10 - Assisted the equaliser with a powerful header which was parried into the path of Firmino. Provided his second assist with a beautiful cross for Jota in the second half.

4. Substitutes

James Milner (CM) - 6/10

Takumi Minamino (RW) - 6/10

SHEFFIELD UNITED

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) - 7/10 - Enemy of football being alert to stop Alexander-Arnold's ambitious attempt. Good first save to deny Mane, but parried straight to Firmino.

George Baldock (RWB) - 7/10 - Swung in plenty of crosses for McBurnie to attack, and kept Mane at bay during an evenly matched first half. Flashed a dangerous effort towards goal in the second.

Chris Basham (CB) - 7/10 - Didn't maraud forward as much as usual, but concentrated on stopping Mane and Firmino to the best of his abilities. Can't be too disappointed with his efforts.

John Egan (CB) - 7/10 - A stoic display. Not easy against this forward line, but Egan kept his cool and marshalled his backline expertly.

Ethan Ampadu (CB) - 7/10 - Offered his services in defence and midfield, stepping up and adding some steel in the centre of the park.

Enda Stevens (LWB) - 6/10 - Stepped in as a centre-back as Ampadu pushed into midfield. Lost his man on the second goal, allowing Jota a free header.

6. Midfielders

John Lundstram (CM) - 6/10 - Attacked with intent when given the chance, popping up here, there and everywhere. Always looked to find space and hurt the opposition.

Ben Osborn (CM) - 6/10 - Moved to a left wing-back role in game, defending wide and supporting attacks with plenty of enthusiasm.

Sander Berge (CM) - 7/10 - Held his nerve to open the scoring from the spot. A colossus on the ball, driving forward and shrugging opponents off with ease.

7. Forwards

Oliver McBurnie (ST) - 6/10 - Squandered a great chance to double the tally on 20 minutes. Brilliantly physical and enjoyed some massive aerial duels with Fabinho.

Rhian Brewster (ST) - 6/10 - Buzzed around and hassled the Liverpool backline like a man with a point to prove. Chances never quite fell to his feet. Substituted.

8. Substitutes

Oliver Burke (ST) - 6/10

David McGoldrick (ST) - 6/10