Reds follow Fulham thriller with trip to face Sheffield United

Liverpool FC’s stunning 4-3 victory over Fulham FC will live long in the memory, but Jürgen Klopp and his side’s focus now turns to a busy December schedule. They play Sheffield United FC on Wednesday night.

Four stunning goals and three points secured when it looked like a defeat was on the cards - it’s fair to say Liverpool FC’s 4-3 win over Fulham FC on Sunday won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

The Reds opened the scoring when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick rifled into the net via goalkeeper Bernd Leno, before the visitors equalised through Harry Wilson. Alexis Mac Allister scored his first goal in Red – a contender for goal of the season – to restore the home side’s lead, before Fulham again levelled through Kenny Tete.

With the match entering its final minutes, it looked like Bobby Decordova-Reid had snatched the win for Marco Silva’s men, but Wataru Endo, with another cracker, and an arrowed finish from Alexander-Arnold ensured the victory for Klopp’s side.

Speaking about his goal, World Cup winner Mac Allister said: "I had a nice one against Leicester [for Brighton] but it was disallowed. So I think it was the best goal I scored in my life.

"Not a bad start to my career there in Liverpool as a goalscorer!

"As soon as I hit it, I knew that it was going to be a goal. [It was a] very nice goal, but as I always say, when I play as a No.6 I am not very worried about goals and assists [because] I have other work to do - but it's always nice to score!"

Klopp’s side sit five points behind leaders Arsenal FC at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand but, speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United FC, the boss insisted: “I don’t think a second about where we could end up. [It’s] what I said before. We have to be there, where we are now, until April.

“If we are still there then we can talk about whatever is possible now, but I have no clue where we will be in April, to be honest. [It’s] the toughest period of football, we played without a few players in the [Fulham] game already, [but] we lost Joel [Matip] so that’s so tough.

“It’s so tough what is coming up now. It’s absolutely nothing to think about [and] think ahead of the next game. There’s no chance. So, we focus on Sheffield United, go for it, play the best possible game and keep going.”

Klopp also spoke about the role of his vice-captain Alexander-Arnold, who has now scored pivotal goals in the last two Premier League games after his equaliser against Manchester City FC last weekend.

The German says he will not be swayed by external factors when it comes to the 25-year-old’s role.

“We play him where we think it’s best for him,” added Klopp.

“And then people say he has to play there, he has to play there.

“He became one of the most successful players in the recent history of Liverpool FC playing at right-back. He became a Premier League player as a right-back. He can play more inside definitely.

“How I said, he will play where it’s best for us, that’s just how it is. And I’m not stubborn and don’t want to play him in midfield or whatever, not at all.

“But I’m not part of the [external] discussion; you can discuss it as much as you want but it will not have any influence.

“We still have to make decisions [about] what’s best for the team - and Trent sees it, by the way, exactly the same way. He wants to play. And from my point of view he has to be influential and we have to make sure we help him with the positioning. That’s it.”

In terms of injuries, the extent of Matip’s injury is not yet known, while Diogo Jota and Alisson will also miss the clash with Chris Wilder’s side.

Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson and Thiago all remain sidelined.

Finally, Mohamed Salah has been named the 2023 Football Supporters’ Association Men’s Player of the Year.

Salah takes the accolade for the third time in his career after also receiving the honour in 2018 and 2021.

At club level, the Egyptian has to date netted 27 goals in the calendar year for the Reds, as well as providing 16 assists.

Our No.11 is also just one goal away from his 200th in a Liverpool Football Club jersey.

He finished first in a shortlist that also included Erling Haaland, Rodri, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier and Ollie Watkins to clinch the FSA Player of the Year.

“I want to thank everybody for the FSA award, especially because it’s voted by fans,” said Salah.

“I just want to say thank you very much, I appreciate it.”