Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk on target as Chris Wilder’s first game back at Blades ends in defeat

Liverpool moved to within two points of leaders Arsenal as Chris Wilder’s first match back in charge of Sheffield United ended in a 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

The Blades replaced Paul Heckingbottom with the man who led them to a ninth-place top-flight finish in 2020 earlier this week, but there was no instant impact as the Merseysiders kept pace at the top.

The hosts were more compact and battled hard throughout but Jurgen Klopp’s side stole in front on 37 minutes when Virgil van Dijk volleyed home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s right-wing corner.

Mohamed Salah had a second-half volley brilliantly kept out before the visitors sealed the points through Dominik Szoboszlai in stoppage time.

The result sees The Reds remain in second spot while Sheffield United remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Next up, Liverpool visit Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime. Sheffield United host Brentford on Saturday.

The return of Wilder for a second spell in the dugout was met with optimism amongst much of the United faithful and this performance will help to nurture a slither of belief.

The hosts were compact, fought for the shirt and caused Liverpool real concern with pace on the counter attack and some late set piece situations.

Liverpool were far from their best but this sort of win can help to build momentum for title pushes and a clean sheet will please Klopp as they look ahead to tougher assignments over the month of December.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool). Once again the Dutchman was an assured presence at the back, but this time he chipped in with a crucial goal and also went close with a header. Yet more evidence that the centre back is nearing his very best.

SHEFF UNITED: Foderingham 8, Trusty 7, Brooks 7, Hamer 7, Ahmedhodzic 7, Robinson 7, Bogle 7, Souza 7, McAtee 7, Archer 7, Osula 7. Subs: Traore 6, Fleck 6, Norwood n/a, Lowe n/a.

LIVERPOOL: Kelleher 8, Alexander-Arnold 8, Gomez 6, Van Dijk 8*, Konate 6, Endo 6, Szoboszlai 7, Mac Allister 6, Salah 6, Gakpo 6, Diaz 7. Subs: Nunez 7, Jones 6, Elliott 6, Gravenberch n/a.

12’ – SHEFF UNITED CHANCE! Archer sends James McAtee clear on the left side of the area but Kelleher makes an excellent save to deny the home team the opener.

37’ – GOAL! – Sheff United 0-1 Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk): The visitors open the scoring as Van Dijk volleys home TAA’s right-wing corner.

56’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Salah catches TAA’s right-wing corner with an explosive volley but Foderingham produces a stunning save to keep it out.

77’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Nunez can’t slot his shot beyond Foderingham after another lovely pass from TAA.

90+5’ – GOAL! – Sheff United 0-2 Liverpool (Dominik Szoboszlai): Szoboszlai lashes past the keeper from close range after fine work on the right from Nunez.