Although Liverpool supporters feared it and Sheffield United supporters sought it, the “new manager bounce” effect was nonexistent at Bramall Lane. In fact, after Chris Wilder’s comeback, everything seemed a little flat as his Blades team lost badly to a poor Liverpool team.

Although Wilder is a kind man, a clever strategist, and a skilled man-motivator, this game highlighted the enormous mountain he needs to climb to maintain his childhood club in the Premier League after succeeding the well-liked Paul Heckingbottom earlier this week.

Although it was a significant improvement over the dull shambles at Turf Moor on Saturday—where Heckingbottom’s career was dealt a final nail following a 5-0 loss to Burnley—United was without offensive fire and was unable to capitalize on multiple major errors made by a careless Liverpool team.

The Reds kept up the pressure on Arsenal in the title race thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 95th minute and Virgil van Dijk in the first half. This was the second of nine games between Christmas and New Year’s Eve that will determine whether the team is a contender or a pretender.However, a Blades comeback was frequently within reach when missed passes, clumsy touches, and subpar execution had Jurgen Klopp chastising his squad from the sidelines. Wilder’s attacking players could have punished Liverpool if they had been a little more self-aware.+8View gallery

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored the game’s opening goal at Bramall Lane

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The Liverpool skipper scored a first-half volley to give his side the lead against Sheffield United

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Chris Wilder’s first game back in the dugout as Sheffield United manager ended in defeat

Although Klopp’s team was clearly superior, United had several excellent opportunities. They had several good opportunities but misplayed their lines, with Cameron Archer being the most culpable of constantly hesitating in front of goal, unsure of whether to pass or shoot and ultimately choosing to do neither.

A group of local kids sang, “Chrissy Wilder, he’s one of our own,” to the young player when the stadium speaker informed Bramall Lane that every supporter needed to contribute to the players’ success. And Liverpool appeared uneasy in that boisterous environment, as they committed multiple careless mistakes.

The main offender, right-footed center defender Joe Gomez, who started at left-back, was caught sleeping in possession on minute twelve, almost giving Sheffield United the lead. Archer surged ahead, feeding James McAtee, but Caoimhin Kelleher remained erect.

Liverpool possessed the ball for eighty percent of the first half, but Wes Foderingham was seldom used, and the Reds’ first goal came after captain Anel Ahmedhodzic stumbled over Van Dijk’s knee and failed to recover.

This implied that Van Dijk could volley Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner home with complete freedom from the penalty box. Since the full-back’s Reds debut in 2016, only Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have contributed more assists for the Reds than Alexander-Arnold. This was Alexander-Arnold’s 75th assist overall.

Although Van Dijk’s volley garnered most of the attention, Liverpool’s performance was generally unimpressive despite the captain’s commanding defensive work. With his set pieces and quick counterattacks, Blades threatened, but the Dutchman was a formidable presence.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai added a late second goal for Jurgen Klopp’s side

The Liverpool goalscorers celebrated together after Szoboszlai’s late strike to cement the win

Salah, whose superhuman standards had been on the losing end of three straight league games, missed his 200th goal for Liverpool in the 56th minute when his strong right-footed drive was spectacularly pushed over the crossbar by Foderingham.

Archer and McAtee both blew opportunities in favorable positions as Wilder pleaded with his teammates to move forward. After being knocked down by Ibrahima Konate, McAtee, a Manchester City loanee, called for a penalty, but Simon Hooper, who was under fire following the weekend, waved it away.

Nunez found Szoboszlai in space with one of the final kicks of the match, and the captain of Hungary finished coolly to give Liverpool their first Premier League away victory since September and send the Blades reeling.

Although they were well-drilled at the back and made opportunities on the other end, Wilder’s sequel began with many grounds for hope. However, despite performing a few miracles during his first spell in South Yorkshire, it appears that his greatest challenge yet lies ahead.

Mohamed Salah’s wait for a 200th goal for Liverpool dragged on as he failed to score away

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp guided his side to another win that moves them to within two points of the top of the table