Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after surviving a scare against bottom-place Sheffield United on Thursday evening.

Alexis MacAllister and substitute Cody Gakpo scored after a Conor Bradley own goal equalized Darwin Nunez’s bizarre opener to give the Reds a 3-1 victory at Anfield.

And here’s how the ECHO evaluates Jurgen Klopp’s players after a strong win that keeps them ahead of fellow title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.

Caoimhin Kelleher 7

Fine saves at either end of first half to deny Bogle and dealt well with aerial balls. No chance with equaliser.

Conor Bradley 7

He was the biggest threat in the first quarter, with thrusts down the right side and fast crosses. Faded little in the second half, but was unlucky to divert the leveller into his own net.

Ibrahima Konate 5

He was far too uncertain on his return to the starting lineup and went missing for Sheffield United’s equaliser. They did not appear to be very comfortable.

Virgil van Dijk 7

First half was rather trouble-free defensively, with lots of ball possession. Diagonal passes helped Sheffield United get around, and Grbic made a good header save.

Joe Gomez 6

Playing as an inverted left-back, he had a lot of possession and worked effectively with Diaz. Wide with one effort before the intermission, but the second half proved more difficult. Subbed.

Alexis Mac Allister 9

When returning to a deeper role, passing remained on point, and defensive coverage was provided as needed. Assumed responsibility when Liverpool needed it by blasting in second and hit crossbar with free-kick. Such a talented player.

Dominik Szobozslai 6

There was some solid passing in the first half, but it took some time for the team to have influence in the attacking sense, with Grbic saving one shot. Didn’t always make the appropriate decision in the second half.

 Subbed.

Ryan Gravenberch 5

Often on the fringes of the action, understandable after so long out the starting line-up. Looked particularly off the pace after interval. Subbed.

Mohamed Salah 6

Created a few openings with passing although was a little ambitious with some of his shooting early on. Never got going second half. Subbed.

Darwin Nunez 7

Chasing down allowed him to score the opener off his backside and also forced one save before break. Second half remained a nuisance and some good link-up play.

Luis Diaz 7

Relentless running down the left flank began to poke holes in the Blades rearguard before the interval. Managed to maintain his level after break and assist of sorts for the second goal.

Harvey Elliott (for Salah 60) 8

Once again, a game-changing cameo from the youngster whose precise passing and care in possession made a huge impact.

Andy Robertson (for Gravenberch 60) 8

Trademark forceful runs down the left flank gave Sheffield United a new problem and excellent cross for the third goal.

Cody Gakpo (for Gomez 73) 8

Almost unrecognisable from recent outings and superb header for third capped fine cameo.

Curtis Jones (for Szoboszslai 73) 8

Made telling difference with ability to keep the ball and run with it at the correct time.