The Liverpool team overcame a surprising challenge from Sheffield United, who are now in last place in the Premier League, on Thursday to maintain their title. Manchester United, on the other hand, collapsed against Chelsea.
Ahead of their match at Old Trafford on Sunday, this served as the most recent reminder of the distance between the toughest rivals in English football.
Liverpool defeated Sheffield United 3-1 to reclaim the top spot, but Manchester United lost to Chelsea 4-3 despite giving up two goals in stoppage time.
The result also illustrated the tenacity of Jurgen Klopp’s team and the increasing impact of Alexis Mac Allister, whose magnificent goal in the second half secured the outcome.
In the 76th minute, the Argentina international sent Anfield into a frenzy as his unstoppable shot from the edge of the box slammed into the top corner.
Before that, with the score tied at one, the mood had been growing more tense. In the ninetieth minute, Liverpool substitute Cody Gakpo added a third goal to make the victory appear easier than it actually was.
Even if Liverpool might fall out of the top spot once more before it plays United on Sunday, the Merseyside team never fails to come up with solutions when facing battle against Manchester City and Arsenal.
In contrast, after losing to Chelsea under dramatic circumstances, United’s season spiralled more out of control.Erik ten Hag’s side needs to gather itself for the task of taking on a Liverpool team that is becoming more confident in its quest for the championship; things don’t get any easier.
Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, United suffered its 12th league loss of the season at Stamford Bridge in front of new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Ten Hag is coming under increasing strain.
After conceding late at Brentford, Cole Palmer’s two goals in stoppage time for a hat trick and an incredible comeback for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad at Chelsea caused United to crumble even more.
After rallying from a terrible start, where they fell behind 2-0 early on thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher and Palmer’s penalty, United were certain to win and gain momentum.
Before halftime, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes tied the score at 2-2, and Garnacho put his team ahead after the interval.
However, Chelsea was awarded a second penalty after Diogo Dalot’s reckless challenge on replacement Noni Madueke, and Palmer, a lifelong United supporter, scored in the 110th.
Liverpool Takes the Lead
Liverpool’s victory put them two points ahead of Arsenal in second place and three ahead of City in third, but Sheffield United had dared to surprise everyone in the race for the championship.
It had appeared to be a potentially frustrating evening at Anfield until Mac Allister’s score, as Conor Bradley’s own goal had cancelled out Darwin Nunez’s opening goal to tie the game at 1-1.
After Mac Allister’s long-range goal gave the team a lead again and improved spirits, Gakpo headed in a goal to make it 3-1.
“Having patience is the most crucial thing. You can become irritated or upset, but we maintained our composure and concentration,” Gakpo remarked.
In the first moments of the second half, the visitors had more room to attack and equalised when Conor Bradley deflected a cross into the goal past Kelleher. The only way Liverpool managed to tie the score was thanks to an outstanding display by Alexis Mac Allister, a 25-year-old international player from Argentina.
In the ninetieth minute, two replacements combined to find Cody Gakpo, who powerfully headed past the custodian to secure a two-goal advantage—and all three points.