Liverpool have recorded their seventh successive win in the Premier League courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in Saturday’s encounter at Bramall Lane.
Despite matching the league leaders for three quarters of the contest, Sheffield United’s hard work was undone when a weak Georginio Wijnaldum shot was fumbled into the net by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Having played a game more than their rivals, the Merseyside giants now hold an eight-point advantage at the top of the standings, while their Yorkshire opponents sit in 10th place.
Liverpool grew into the game as the first half progressed, and Mohamed Salah almost found the opening goal of the contest with a low curling effort which narrowly went past the far post.
The next chance went the way of Sadio Mane, who was able to latch onto the end of a long ball over the top from Virgil van Dijk, but the winger sliced his half-volley well wide of the target.
Just before the half-time whistle, a mistake in midfield led to Salah being given the space to run at the Sheffield United defence, but Mane could only strike the post from close range after being teed by Roberto Firmino.
The Blades remained competitive after the restart with McBurnie sending a header off target after meeting a corner, although the home side were arguably fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty when John Fleck mistimed a challenge on Mane inside the area.
Establishing a lead released the tension within the Liverpool ranks, and they should have doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Salah was played through on goal, only for Henderson to go some way to redeeming himself with a smart save to his right.
United battled on gamely in their search for an equaliser, although they were unable to apply any sustained pressure as Liverpool comfortably saw out the rest of the contest.
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