Liverpool player ratings for the 3-1 win over Sheffield United

Liverpool returned to the top of the table following a cagey 3-1 win over lowly Sheffield United that looked for a long time like it might be a disastrous draw.

As it were, goals from Darwin Nunez, a golazo from Alexis Mac Allister and a fine header from Cody Gakpo proved enough to send the Reds to the top once again. Some players really stood out in this one while others did not take their chances.

Let's see how the Liverpool players rated in Thursday's victory.

Caoimhin Kelleher - 7/10 - Made a fine save 45 seconds into proceedings before being his assured self throughout. Not at fault for the unlucky own-goal deflection. Continues to shine in Ali's absence.

Conor Bradley - 6.5/10 - It was not Bradley's best outing nor was it his worse. He probed forward as is his want, but wasn't able to impact the game at that end. Unlucky to have the own-goal deflect off his shin.

Ibrahima Konate - 7/10 - Ibou was immense in this one as he showed why he has become a stalwart next to VVD. Won multiple one-on-one matchups and consistently broke up play when Sheffield United was just getting rolling.

Virgil van Dijk - 7.5/10 - Van Dijk grew into the game after a sluggish start for everyone involved. He was clearing things often and had a powerful header saved in the second half. He is an unflappable player.

Joe Gomez - 7/10 - Gomez played a very inverted left-back in this one that saw him playing a left defensive midfield role at times. Saw a lot of the ball throughout and showed very good passing range on multiple occasions. A jack-of-all-trades he is.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 6.5/10 - Szoboszlai floated in and out of this match. He had a powerful strike parried away that was destined for the top corner. His usual box-to-box energy was not really on full display in this one. Subbed.

Alexis Mac Allister 8/10 - Mac Allister was deployed a little deeper tonight as there was no Wataru Endo cleaning things up. That did not slow him down as he once again dictated play throughout. His goal was very Steven Gerrard-esque. A thunderbolt.

Ryan Gravenberch - 6.5/10 - Early on, Gravenberch was popping up all over the final third as he looked eager to be back in the mix. He was always driving forward. However, clearly tired after that. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah - 6/10 - Salah was not at his devastating best in this one as he did not have the free reign in front of goal that he saw against Brighton on Sunday. A few half-chances went wayward. Subbed and was not happy about it.

Darwin Nunez 7.5/10 - Once again, Nunez might very well be the hardest worker in this team. His relentless closing down won him a deflected goal. Was always running into channels and being a menace. He is a handful for any defender.

Luis Diaz 6.5/10 - Diaz played the full 90 in this one which was a surprise but he worked his tail off from start to finish. The end product was not there this time but his constant endeavors made life hard for The Blades.

Substitutes:

Harvey Elliott 6/10 - Came on for Salah and got involved a little bit but did not leave an impact on the match. Happy birthday to the lad, though.

Andy Robertson -7.5/10 - Robbo came on for Gravenberch and instantly turned things around for the Reds. He was putting in constant dangerous crosses and passes. Got a nice assist at the end to Gakpo. This was the Robbo we know and love.

Cody Gakpo - 7/10 - Gakpo came on when the game was still level at 1-1. He was aggressive and confident as he looked invested tonight. Wanted his goal and finally got it at the death with a fine header.

Curtis Jones 6.5/10 - It was just a wonderful thing to see him back on the pitch getting minutes. Moved the ball along nicely as Sheffield became stretched. Good minutes to prepare for Sunday.