Goalkeeping howler hands Liverpool win at Sheffield United

An error by Dean Henderson allowed Liverpool to leave Sheffield with all three points after a tough afternoon for the Premier League leaders at Bramall Lane.

Henderson allowed Georginio Wijnaldum’s speculative effort so slip through him after 70 minutes, but the United keeper made some strong saves in the remaining 20 minutes to deny the visitors a greater margin of victory.

Liverpool were second-best in the first half but still had the best two chances, with both falling to Sadio Mane. The Senegalese striker scuffed a shot wide after Virgil van Dijk’s excellent pass sent him through on goal before then hitting post from close range.

Little changed after the break and Adrian had to tip Oliver Norwood’s dipping shot round the post, while Andy Robertson made a great block to deny John Fleck.

Three minutes after that block, Liverpool were ahead as Henderson - on loan from Manchester United - let Wijnaldum's volley squirm through his legs.

Mohamed Salah could have sealed the win when he had a late one-on-one, but Henderson made an impressive stop to partially redeem himself, while substitute Leon Clarke skied a great chance as the brave Blades battled to the end.

Liverpool are now eight points clear of Manchester City, albeit having played an extra game.

Relentless Reds march on. They had to work for it, but Liverpool ground out another victory and their impressive start to the season continues. It's seven wins from seven in the league. While it’s still early days, the advantage they have over City feels significant because of how few points these teams dropped last season. There are more tests to come - Liverpool’s next three opponents in the league are Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester United - but they have cleared every hurdle they’ve come across recently and showed impressive character here, as well as that famous ability to win even when playing poorly.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool). One of a number of impressive centre-halves on show, he read the game brilliantly and was commanding in the air. He was probably the only of Liverpool’s big guns who lived up to their reputation today. Who needs an award from FIFA?

34’ - BAD MISS! A long ball over the top undoes the Blades defence and puts Mane through on goal, but the striker miscues his shot and sends the ball wide.

43’ - OFF THE POST! Liverpool break and have a numerical advantage. Inside the box, Firmino unselfishly passes to Mane, six yards out, but Mane hits the post.

67’ - GREAT BLOCK! The Blades have a huge chance as Fleck carries the ball into the box, dummies past one defender and then shoots, but Robertson makes a great block and Van Dijk then does the same on the rebound.

70’ - GOAL! Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool (Wijnaldum). What a howler! A clearance falls to Wijnaldum, 20 yards from goal, and he strikes the ball well enough but straight at Henderson. However, the goalkeeper lets the ball squirm through his legs and Liverpool lead.

78’ - SAVE! Salah is put through on goal by a misplaced United pass, sizes up Henderson and shoots low, but the goalie makes a super save with his feet. That would have been that.

85’ - BAD MISS! What a chance! Seemingly from nothing, Fleck produces a beautiful pass to find Clarke, eight yards out, but he shoots over on the stretch.

Liverpool: Adrian 6, Alexander-Arnold 5, Matip 6, Van Dijk 8, Robertson 7, Fabinho 7, Henderson 5, Wijnaldum 6, Mane 5, Salah 5, Firmino 5. Subs: Origi 5, Milner n/a, Oxlade-Chamberlain n/a.

Sheffield United: Henderson 4, Baldock 6, Basham 6, Egan 8, O’Connell 7, Stevens 7, Lundstram 6, Norwood 6, Fleck 7, Robinson 6, McBurnie 5. Subs: Mousset 5, Clarke 5.

The Reds have now won 16 Premier League games in a row, just two short of Manchester City’s Premier League record.

Liverpool are just the second team to start a Premier League season with seven straight wins.

Liverpool are also now unbeaten in 24 league matches.

This is Liverpool’s first win at Bramall Lane since 1990.

Sheffield United have lost three home games ini a row.

Liverpool have won 13 games in a row against newly-promoted sides.