“You have to change games from the bench when you need it,” as Jurgen Klopp said, and he successfully accomplished this at Anfield by substituting four of his five available players.
The Reds’ victory over Sheffield United served as the perfect sneak peek into the agonizing nature of this last stretch, as they exerted every effort to keep us on our toes.
Despite their dominance, Liverpool could only muster a goal from Darwin Nunez before Conor Bradley’s own goal, an incredible rocket from Alexis Mac Allister, and a relief goal from Cody Gakpo to make it 3-1.
However, the game was altered by Klopp’s substitutes. Andy Robertson and Harvey Elliott were added, which the manager described as a “game-changer” since Liverpool “could use the wing.”
Just as nerves were starting to get the better of Liverpool, Curtis Jones and Gakpo’s entrance 13 minutes later proved to be as decisive, giving the team more energy, drive, and structure.
Although one could argue that those substitutes never should have been necessary, Liverpool’s supporters were justified to applaud the game-changers who helped the team maintain its lead in the standings:
