Mac Allister’s rocket fires Liverpool back to the top

Liverpool’s Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister (L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team second gaol during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Sheffield United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 4, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Alexis Mac Allister fired Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League as the Argentine’s superb strike inspired a tense 3-1 win against lowly Sheffield United on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were growing anxious after Darwin Nunez’s early opener was cancelled out by Conor Bradley’s own goal in the second half.

But Mac Allister eased the nerves around Anfield with a brilliant finish from the edge of the area and Cody Gakpo sealed the points in the closing moments.

On a potentially pivotal evening in the title race, Liverpool moved two points clear of second placed Arsenal with eight games left for each of the three teams involved in a gripping battle for supremacy.

Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Luton had knocked Liverpool out of pole position on Wednesday, with third-placed Manchester City’s 4-1 rout of Aston Villa keeping them in the hunt.

But Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 28 home league matches, are now a step closer to being crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time and first since 2020.

Klopp’s treble chasers have already won the League Cup and face Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals as they eye a memorable farewell for the German in his last season.

However, they will have to improve on this erratic display to hold off Arsenal and champions City, who are three points adrift of Liverpool.

Liverpool head to Manchester United in the league on Sunday for a crucial clash with their bitter rivals.

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