Liverpool back on top as late goals seal win over Sheffield United

LIVERPOOL, England : Liverpool reclaimed the lead in an enthralling Premier league title race as Alexis Mac Allister's thunderbolt and a late header by Cody Gakpo secured a nervy 3-1 home victory over bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday.

Liverpool have 70 points from 30 games, two ahead of Arsenal and three more than champions Manchester City, both of whom won on Wednesday to crank up the pressure.

A bizarre opener by Darwin Nunez after 17 minutes when he closed down keeper Ivo Grbic and blocked his attempted clearance into the net looked set to open the floodgates as Liverpool sought the win they needed to dislodge Arsenal from top spot.

But Juergen Klopp's side were way below their best and United stunned the Anfield crowd shortly after halftime when a Connor Bradley own goal levelled the scores.

The visitors looked capable of hanging on for a shock point before a loose ball came out to Mac Allister in the 76th minute and he smashed a swerving right-foot effort into the top corner.

Gakpo then made sure of the points in the 90th minute.

United are 10 points behind the safety zone and look set for a swift return to the Championship.