Liverpool returned to their Premier League winning ways with a hard-fought comeback victory over the struggling Sheffield United at Anfield.
Fabinho, the stand-in center-back for the injured Van Dijk, conceded a 13th-minute penalty for a four on Oliver McBurnie on the edge of the box. The penalty allowed Sander Berge to slot in following the VAR review.
Despite the defending champions facing their spirited opposition, Firmino converted from Mane’s saved shot four minutes before half-time. Additionally, Diogo Jota’s header completed the turnaround midway through the second half.
Liverpool finds a way despite Van Dijk’s absence.
Van Dijk suffered a potential season-ending injury in the Merseyside derby. His injury has caused a seismic blow to Liverpool who is aiming to defend their crown this season. However, Klopp has taken much comfort from Fabinho’s near-faultless performance in the 1-0 midweek Champions League victory over Ajax.
Lining up with their Dutch center-back for the first time in 75 league games, once again, Fabinho partnered with Joe Gomez in defense.
Liverpool wrestled parity through Firmino’s instinctive finish and the lively Mo Salah came closer to completing a rapid turnaround before the break when he ran the ball too close to Ramsdale.
Despite Alisson’s return from injury, there were moments of uncertainty at the back. The defending Champions allowed Sheffield United 13 shots at goal although their quality in attack sold them out.
Jota, quiet in front of goal for much of the contest, claimed the points with his first shot of the match, diverting Mane’s looped cross beyond Ramsdale’s reach, to extend Liverpool’s impressive unbeaten home record to 62 league games.