EPL:Mac Allister’s rocket soars Liverpool back to the top

Liverpool’s incredible strike from Argentine striker Alexis Mac Allister sent the team reeling from a 3-1 victory over struggling Sheffield United on Thursday, propelling them back to the top of the Premier League.

After Conor Bradley’s own goal in the second half erased Darwin Nunez’s early opening, Jurgen Klopp’s team was beginning to feel nervous.

However, Mac Allister’s outstanding finish from the area’s edge calmed anxieties across Anfield, and Cody Gakpo clinched the victory in the waning seconds.

With eight games remaining for each of the three teams engaged in a thrilling struggle for supremacy, Liverpool pulled two points clear of second-place Arsenal on what may prove to be a crucial evening in the title chase.

Liverpool lost their lead on Wednesday to Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Luton, but third-place Manchester City’s 4-1 thumping of Aston Villa kept them in the race.

However, Liverpool, who have won their past 28 home league games without a loss, are currently one win away from becoming English champions for the first time since 2020 and a record-tying 20th time overall.

In an attempt to give the German coach a spectacular sendoff in his final season, Klopp’s treble chasers have already won the League Cup and are set to play Atalanta in the Europa League quarterfinals.

Nevertheless, to hold off Arsenal and champions City, who are three points behind Liverpool, they will need to improve on this inconsistent performance.

Last Saturday, the Reds had to overcome a deficit to defeat Brighton, but Klopp maintained that he was feeling “calm” as the title battle nears its thrilling conclusion.

Nevertheless, when United came dangerously close to taking a shock lead, his heart had to be racing a little bit more than usual.

James McAtee, a teenage player on loan from Manchester City, was in the area when Jack Robinson’s long throw reached him, and his volley caused Caoimhin Kelleher to make a quick stop.

Ben Brereton Diaz nearly tapped in at the far post from the ensuing corner as the Liverpool defense stood motionless.

Klopp relief
After 17 minutes, Liverpool had the lead thanks to a ridiculous mistake made by United keeper Ivo Grbic.

Nunez ran down to clear the edge of his area, taking far too long, and the ball hit the Uruguayan striker on the behind before rolling into the empty net.

Nunez celebrated scoring his 19th goal of the season in all competitions while Grbic sheepishly removed the ball from the back of the net.

Dominik Szoboszlai,Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, and Luis Diaz all missed long-range shots as Liverpool attempted to land the game-winning punch.

However, despite the deluge of rain falling on Anfield, Liverpool’s territorial superiority did not result in a second goal before halftime, closing the floodgates.

United, who are currently at the bottom of the league, have had three victories in a miserable season that almost certainly results in relegation.

Yet in the 58th minute, they completely upended Anfield.

McAtee was found on the right flank by Gustavo Hamer’s excellent pass, and he skillfully cut back inside before blasting a cross into the area.

With his next run forward, Hamer beat Kelleher with a close-range header that deflected decisively off Bradley’s foot.

In response, Harvey Elliott replaced Salah, who was unexpectedly substituted by Klopp. The Egypt forward’s sullen expression and clumsy handshake with his boss revealed his displeasure with the decision.

As Klopp began to gesture in frustration at Liverpool’s lack of success, Andrew Robertson volleyed wide at the far post.

But in the 76th minute, Mac Allister’s thunderous drive into the top corner of the goal after Robertson’s cross had just been cleared to the edge of the box, finally eased Klopp’s frustration.

When Gakpo bent to head in Robertson’s cross in the ninetieth minute, he sealed Liverpool’s spirited triumph.

AFP