5 talking points as Van Dijk the Liverpool hero in victory over Sheffield United
Virgil van Dijk proved a titanic figure at Bramall Lane as Liverpool overcame Sheffield United 2-0 on Wednesday evening.
Buoyed by the return of Chris Wilder, the hosts enjoyed a bright start to the game but found themselves behind at the break - van Dijk slotting home the opening goal. Mo Salah had a number of glorious opportunities to double the Reds' lead - and chalk up his 200th goal for the club - but was unable to convert.
Dominik Szoboszlai eventually wrapped up the three points with an effort late into stoppage time. Here are all of the talking points from Bramall Lane:
Wilder given warm welcome
During his pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp claimed that the return of Chris Wilder had caused him to "bin" his pre-match analysis. Immediately after he had been welcomed back into Bramall Lane with a warm round of applause, Wilder's smile would likely have grown after a positive start from his new but old side.
James McAtee had an excellent chance in the opening stages after racing away from the Liverpool defence, only to see Caoimhín Kelleher produce a vital stop. Cameron Archer then had his own chance to give the Blades the lead but saw his effort blocked away.
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While they weren't quite able to get anything out of Liverpool in the end, the Blades' performance was still notable and is one that will satisfy Wilder.
Chris Wilder was given a warm welcome by the Sheffield United fans (Getty Images)Who was the man-of-the-match in Liverpool's win vs Sheffield United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Van Dijk fortunate to score
It looked likely to be a first half of frustration for Liverpool as they dominated plenty of possession but barely threatened Wes Foderingham's goal. That was until Van Dijk managed to get free from a corner to slot home the opening goal.
The Blades were left baffled that the towering Dutch defender was left completely unmarked to score. That was until replays showed Anel Ahmedhodžić tripped in the scuffle before Van Dijk scored - the Liverpool man seemingly bringing him down. VAR took a look at the incident but did not see reason to disallow his goal as Liverpool celebrated their opening goal.
Away from his strike, the Dutchman was decisive defensively as he marshalled the Reds defence - something that proved crucial until the closing stages.
Salah's 200 wait goes on
Since his brace in the Europa League win against LASK, Mo Salah has firmly had the 200-goal milestone firmly in his crosshairs. Somehow, he didn't manage to get it against the Blades despite a host of chances.
The Egyptian forward fired over in the opening stages before planting a weak effort straight at Foderingham in the final moments of the first period. The Sheffield United stopper then extended his wait even longer as Salah produced a fierce volley from a corner only to see Foderingham somehow paw his effort away.
He was eventually taken off by Klopp and will now be looking ahead to the weekend's clash with Crystal Palace to instead chalk up his double ton.
Mo Salah had a frustrating evening against Sheffield United (Getty Images)Mac Allister adds to injury woes
After Joel Matip picked up a knee problem to add to Liverpool's mounting injury worries, the last thing that the Reds needed was another problem. However, Klopp will now have concern over playmaker Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine received treatment after a robust challenge in the first period but was able to continue. However, he was taken off midway through the second half following another heavy challenge.
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While Liverpool have the midfield numbers to cope without him, the Reds will certainly be hoping his withdrawal is down to the rough treatment he received at Bramall Lane as opposed to any long-term problem.
Alexander-Arnold continues to shine
Given how terrific Trent Alexander-Arnold has been throughout his Liverpool career, it is difficult to judge whether he is in the form of his life right now, but he can't be far off it. He was the man to provide the corner for Van Dijk's opener.
With his goals against Man City and Fulham, it now means that the academy graduate has a goal contribution in each of his last three Premier League appearances - a remarkable rate of output for a right-back. It was also the 75th assist of his Premier League career - only teammate Salah and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne having notched more since the England man's debut.
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