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Sheffield United vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.

This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.

Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.

Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Sheffield United FC 0 - 2 Liverpool FC

Virgil van Dijk the difference-maker as Liverpool rediscover impact of winning away

21:39 , Mike Jones

Liverpool edged out Sheffield United by a 2-0 scoreline at Bramall Lane, the relatively low scoreline perhaps reflecting the lack of quality on show rather more than the gulf in possession and intent between the teams.

New home boss Chris Wilder, returning for the first game of his second spell at the club, was welcomed with applause and pre-match chants of “he’s one of our own”. He might hope to rapidly turn matters around and put the Blades into unchartered territory for this season, but his first game back was all too familiar in most regards.

Perhaps he can take some optimism from early fight, from counter-attacking openings created and from the fact this was close in terms of scoreline until late on against one of the nation’s top teams, but there’s clearly an awful long way to go before the team at the very bottom can begin considering a route to safety.

Meanwhile for the victorious Reds, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai earning them the points, having seen Arsenal snatch a late win at Luton to open up a five-point lead at the top one night prior, they’ll know the past few gameweeks have only reinforced how much impact away form will have on the title fight this season.

Van Dijk the difference-maker as Liverpool rediscover impact of winning away

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:41

Moving back within two points of Arsenal at the Premier League summit, below-par Liverpool see off struggling Sheffield United and secure victory with goals late in either half. Van Dijk and Szoboszlai both converted coolly from close range to make the Reds' dominance of possession pay, while their hosts battled bravely without posing much threat in the final third. This result extends Liverpool's unbeaten run in the top flight to its eighth game, and they will aim to extend such a streak on Saturday, when in the second of three straight away fixtures they visit Selhurst Park to meet Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, the beaten Blades host Brentford at the weekend, with Wilder hoping to get off the mark in his second spell as United boss. That's all from Bramall Lane today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:34

FULL-TIME: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-2 LIVERPOOL

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:30

Yellow Card Jayden Ian Bogle

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:29

In the second of at least six added minutes at the end of this match, Sheffield United have committed a few more bodies forward in search of a late equaliser. That leaves some space for Liverpool to exploit, but the hosts have to go for it now.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:28

Assist Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:27

Goal Dominik Szoboszlai

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:25

Archer volleys the ball into the ground from near the penalty spot, then sees it loop up harmlessly over Kelleher's crossbar. The Blades claim a corner-kick, but the referee gives the decision Liverpool's way.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:23

Yellow Card Oliver James Norwood

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:22

The Bramall lane faithful are in uproar after an apparent shove by Konate on McAtee goes unpunished. The latter is sent sprawling in the Liverpool area, but neither the referee nor VAR are interested.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:21

Substitution Auston Levi-Jesaiah Trusty Max Josef Lowe

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:21

A misplaced pass towards Elliott sees Nunez thwarted, after a charging run had opened up some space through the centre of Sheffield United's midfield. The substitute's touch has been lacking since arriving from the bench.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:19

Substitution Cody Mathès Gakpo Ryan Jiro Gravenberch

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:17

Yellow Card Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:16

After a conference between Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold, the latter's free-kick delivery into the area is initially cleared away from danger, but Liverpool reclaim the ball and start to build more pressure. The Blades just cannot get out of their own half here.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:14

From the left, Robinson hurls another long throw into the Liverpool area, but it bounces twice without a Sheffield United touch before being cleared to safety by the visitors.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:12

GOOD SAVE! Alexander-Arnold slips a lovely low ball through to Nunez, who angles his run towards the right corner of the area. He fails to get enough height on his shot, though, and the on-rushing Foderingham makes another smart stop on the edge of his six-yard box!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:08

Gakpo's chipped pass towards the right byline is too strong for Elliott, and the ball rolls frustratingly out of play. There's no doubt that Liverpool have been far from their fluent best - Klopp's touchline ranting would suggest that, too - but they still lead with less than 20 minutes of the 90 to play.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:08

Substitution William Idamudia Daugaard Osula Bénie Adama Traoré

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:08

Substitution Andre Chance Brooks John Alexander Fleck

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:06

Liverpool may have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League away games, but they’re also winless in their last four. Klopp will be keen to close this one out, as dropping points here could prove a costly slip-up in the title race.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:04

Konate takes a slight blow to the head, causing a brief delay, but the French defender is soon fit enough to continue and the game goes on, moving closer towards its conclusion.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:01

Salah's throughball for Jones on the right is delayed just too long, and the latter is caught narrowly offside. It looks like Liverpool are going to make a couple of changes now.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:00

Substitution Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly Harvey Daniel James Elliott

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

21:00

Substitution Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:59

Mirroring events in the first half, Liverpool have had a 79 per cent share of possession since the interval - but they've yet to find a decisive second goal. Until they do, a flicker of hope remains for the hosts.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:56

Supporting his back three, Bogle chases back and halts an incisive sprint down the left flank by Diaz, who is on the brink of United's box. That's excellent defending from the wing-back.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:56

Yellow Card Ibrahima Konaté

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:53

For the third time today, Mac Aliister drops to the deck, and it looks like the Liverpool midfielder cannot continue. He took a heavy blow during the first half, and it seems to have taken its toll.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:52

Substitution Alexis Mac Allister Curtis Julian Jones

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:52

SUPER SAVE! Salah is denied by Foderingham! The goalkeeper reaches up and gets a strong hand to the Liverpool winger's powerful volley, tipping the ball over his crossbar! That keeps his team in it!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:49

Gakpo and Salah work a few feet of space on the right, before the latter feeds Alexander-Arnold's overlapping run with a throughball. A deflection then carries the ball into the side-netting for another Liverpool corner.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:49

While United have picked up just one point from seven games after trailing at the break this season, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 129 Premier League matches when leading at half-time - a streak dating back to December 2016.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:46

Mac Allister is brought down again - this time by Bogle's ill-timed tackle - and once more he stays on the turf. Eventually, it is decided that the medics won't be required, and the referee gestures to his watch as if to assure Sheffield United this time will be added on at the end of the game.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:43

Brooks dances inside from the left, then whips in a dangerous low ball for Osula in the area. Van Dijk is alert, though, and guides it away for a corner, which ultimately comes to nothing.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:39

The home side kick off, and we are back under way at Bramall Lane!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:37

Continuing his purple patch by setting up Liverpool's opener today, Alexander-Arnold now has 75 assists in all competitions for the Merseyside club; since his debut in October 2016, only Kevin De Bruyne (129) and Mohamed Salah (80) have racked up more for Premier League teams. With absences reducing Klopp's options at the moment, the England star is increasingly influential - he has also created more chances (three) than any other player in this game.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:32

Although short of both rhythm and fluency, Liverpool still lead at Bramall Lane, as their total dominance of the ball finally paid when captain Van Dijk turned the ball home from close range following an Alexander-Arnold corner. Chris Wilder's homecoming started brightly enough from a Sheffield United point of view, with McAtee testing Kelleher early on, but the Blades have rarely threatened since and may need to have a rethink during the break. Can the hosts eke out more possession during the second half, or can a set-piece get them back into the game?

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:27

HALF-TIME: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-1 LIVERPOOL

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:26

SHARP STOP! With great confidence and technique, Mac Allister controls the ball and then shoots in one motion, testing Foderingham from just inside the box! The goalkeeper reaches up and tips the volleyed effort over for another Liverpool corner-kick!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:24

Wilder stands impassively on the touchline as McAtee sends a 25-yard free-kick well over the crossbar and into the stand behind Kelleher's goal. It seems as if the home side are going to end this half goalless.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:22

There are to be at least six minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half, as Mac Allister's early injury held up proceedings for quite a while.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:21

Hampered by the ball being a little behind him, Salah shoots tamely at Foderingham from the right side of the area, following a throughball by Szoboszlai.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:20

Liverpool have now attempted the last five shots, with United's last attempt at goal taken by Archer as long ago as the 18th minute.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:17

Liverpool are pushing for a second goal before half-time: the increasingly influential Alexander-Arnold tries a rather hopeful shot from outside the box, but sees it sail high over the top, accompanied by jeers from the home fans.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:15

Another Alexander-Arnold corner finds Van Dijk, but this time the Dutch defender is off-target with his effort. He rises highest in the box, but heads over the crossbar from close range.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:09

Ahmedhodzic heads straight at Kelleher from inside the area, following a long throw hurled into the box from out on the left. Such deliveries could be United's best route to scoring today.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:09

Assist Trent John Alexander-Arnold

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:08

Goal Virgil van Dijk

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:07

Archer sees the ball stolen by Salah deep in United territory, then the Liverpool winger turns into the area and hits the deck under challenge by Vinicius. The game goes on, though, after the VAR completes a quick check for a possible penalty.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:06

Yellow Card Wataru Endo

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:04

It's still one-way traffic at Bramall Lane, with Liverpool patiently probing for an opening, and Sheffield United sitting back and hoping to counter. Can Klopp's men make their dominance pay before the break? They'll perhaps need to be a bit more precise with their final ball.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:02

A promising move by the home side is stopped in its tracks when Osula tries to release Archer into the area, only to see his team-mate flagged for offside.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

20:01

Konate's sweeping crossfield ball towards Diaz on the left is cut out by Bogle, who has to concede another corner-kick. Following the Reds' latest set-piece situation, Hamer ultimately clears the ball to safety.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:59

With 79 per cent possession so far - and 87 per cent over the past 10 minutes - Liverpool have certainly established themselves as the dominant force at Bramall Lane. United won't mind playing without the ball, though, and are still very much in this game.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:57

Another Liverpool corner is cleared, before they recycle the ball and Konate directs a weak header towards goal, causing Foderingham to dive across and make a regulation save. The visitors are looking a little more cohesive now, but are just lacking some sharpness in the final third.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:55

After a scuffed cross by Gomez earns Liverpool a corner-kick, Van Dijk reaches the ball first but sees his tame effort tipped over by Foderingham. Then, the follow-up set-piece results in Mac Allister driving a 20-yard shot well over the crossbar.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:53

A collision between United goalkeeper Foderingham and captain Ahmedhodzic sees the action temporarily brought to a halt, but both are soon back on their feet and play then continues.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:51

On the left byline, Diaz latches on to a searching ball up from the back, then cuts it back for Gakpo on the edge of the area. However, the latter can't get a shot away, and Liverpool's attack ultimately falters.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:49

Gomez holds onto the ball for too long on the left wing, then sends a pass towards Diaz straight out of play. It's not quite clicking for Liverpool at the moment - though it's worth remembering both teams have made several personnel changes today.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:46

SAVE! Kelleher keeps Liverpool level! A counter-attack by the Blades ends with McAtee being set free past Gomez and into the box, and the young midfielder's side-foot volley from 10 yards forces the Irish goalkeeper into a smart stop at close range!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:44

Causing havoc in the hosts' penalty area, Szoboszlai sends over a dipping corner from the left, which Robinson has to head over his own crossbar. Liverpool can't make anything of the second corner-kick though.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:42

Mac Allister is back in the thick of things in midfield, as the game searches for some rhythm. After Diaz dashes up the left wing and dinks over a cross to the back post, Slash slashes his first-time shot well over the crossbar.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:40

Cautiously, Mac Allister returns to his feet with some help, then jogs gently towards the touchline. It seems like he'll be fit enough to continue, but the game resumes with Liverpool momentarily a man down.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:39

With an average age of 24 years and 239 days, Sheffield United’s starting XI tonight is the second-youngest they have ever named for a Premier League game, only ahead of their final day line-up of the 1992-93 campaign versus Chelsea (24 years 210 days).

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:38

After a clumsy challenge by Vinicius in central midfield, Mac Allister is left writhing around on the turf in apparent agony. Liverpool's medical staff rush on, and the game comes to a halt while he receives treatment.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:35

Hamer delivers a curling free-kick into the box from the right, but two late-arriving team-mates can't quite get a boot on it near the back post and the ball whistles wide.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:33

Liverpool kick off, and we are under way in Sheffield!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:31

The players are out on the pitch at a packed Bramall Lane, and kick-off is now just moments away!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:27

Joel Matip may have joined several teammates in Liverpool's treatment room folllowing the win over Fulham, but Ibrahima Konate is now ready to replace him in the visitors' starting XI. Endo starts after scoring as a substitute last weekend, while Gakpo and Gomez are also promoted. Alisson, Diogo Jota, Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic all remain unavailable.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:23

Wilder starts his second spell in charge of Sheffield United without striker Oli McBurnie, who is suspended after his red card against Burnley. In one of five changes, Osula replaces McBurnie up front; Bogle, Vinicius, McAtee and Brooks all come in too. George Baldock succumbed to a hamstring injury on Saturday, while Chris Basham, John Egan and ex-Liverpool forward Rhian Brewster are among those still sidelined.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:19

SUBS: Adrian, Ryan Gravenberch, Jarell Quansah, Marcelo, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, Conor Bradley, Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:19

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Caoimhin Kelleher; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez; Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai; Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:15

SUBS: Adam Davies, Max Lowe, Luke Thomas, Yasser Larouci, Oliver Norwood, Anis Ben Slimane, Benie Traore, John Fleck, Femi Seriki.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:11

SHEFFIELD UNITED (3-5-2): Wes Foderingham; Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Auston Trusty; Jayden Bogle, Vinicius, Gustavo Hamer, James McAtee, Andre Brooks; William Osula, Cameron Archer.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:07

Being thumped 5-0 by Burnley heralded both the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom and Chris Wilder's Sheffield United comeback, and the latter's Bramall Lane return comes with his boyhood club rooted to the foot of the Premier League table. The Blades have a four-point deficit to 17th-placed Luton Town, having won just once and failed to keep a single clean sheet in the league this season. Following five successive top-flight defeats to Liverpool, the Yorkshire side today seek a first win over the Reds since 2003.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:07

Liverpool extended their perfect home record with a remarkable 4-3 victory over Fulham last weekend, when Trent Alexander-Arnold's 87th-minute strike secured the Reds' 11th win from 11 games at Anfield. As a result, Jurgen Klopp's men sit second in the Premier League standings, five points below leaders Arsenal. However, only one of Liverpool's last six away games has ended in success - a 2-1 EFL Cup win away to Bournemouth - and each of their 10 road trips this season has seen them concede at least one goal.

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

19:03

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Sheffield United and Liverpool at Bramall Lane!

Sheffield United vs Liverpool team news

18:38 , Mike Jones

Sheffield United XI: Foderingham; Bogle, Robinson, Ahmedhodzic. Trusty; Brooks, Souza, Hamer; McAtee, Archer, Osula

Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

18:30

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…