Mac Allister’s ‘wonder goal’ fires Liverpool back to the top

Liverpool: Alexis McAllister lifted Liverpool to the top of the Premier League with a tense 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday.
Klopp’s side were worried after Darwin Nunez’s early opener was canceled out by Conor Bradley’s second-half goal.
But Mac Allister eased the nerves around Anfield with a superb finish from the edge of the area and Cody Gakpo sealed the points in the closing moments.
On a crucial evening in the title race, Liverpool moved two points clear of second-placed Arsenal with eight games remaining for each of the three teams in the title race.
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton knocked Liverpool out of pole position on Wednesday, while third-placed Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-1.
But Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 28 home league games, are now edging closer to being crowned English champions for the 20th time and first since 2020.
“It will take a good goal from Macca to turn it around,” Klopp said of Mack Allister, the first Liverpool midfielder to score or assist in six consecutive games since Steven Gerrard in 2013.
Klopp’s treble-chasing side have met Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League in what will be a memorable farewell to the German in his final season.
However, Arsenal, who are three points clear of Liverpool and champions City, will need to improve on this lackluster display to keep them away.
“Until I made a change, our game as a whole was not very good.
“It was difficult, they had a low block, but they have to do better.
“That’s it. He has to change the game from the bench if he needs to, so I’m very happy.”
Liverpool travel to Manchester United on Sunday for a crucial clash with their bitter league rivals.
The Reds had to come from behind to beat Brighton last weekend, but Klopp says he feels “relaxed” as the title race reaches its peak.
However, when United received a surprise bullet, their hearts must have been beating a little faster than usual.
Jack Robinson’s long throw reached an unmarked James McTae in the area and forced the on-loan Manchester City youngster into a reflex save from Caoimhin Kelleher.
From the resulting corner, Ben Brereton Diaz hit the far post as the Liverpool defense towered.