The ‘new manager bounce’ effect, which Liverpool fans drew dread from and Sheffield United fans yearned for, failed to materialize at Bramall Lane. In Chris Wilder’s comeback, his Blades team lost to a lackluster Liverpool, and it felt like it was all for nothing.

After replacing the beloved Paul Heckingbottom earlier this week, Wilder faces an enormous challenge in keeping his childhood club in the Premier League. Despite his good nature, savvy tactics, and ability to inspire his players, this match highlighted the enormity of the hill he must climb.

Even while it was a huge improvement from Saturday’s dull affair at Turf Moor—in which Burnley drove the last nail to Heckingbottom’s coffin—United were offensively ineffective and couldn’t capitalize on Liverpool’s numerous careless errors.

As they continue to play their second of nine games during the Christmas and New Year period, which will determine their title challenger status, the Reds were able to maintain pressure on Arsenal thanks to goals from Virgil van Dijk in the first half and Dominik Szoboszlai in the 95th minute.

However, the door was often ajar for the Blades to stage a comeback, leaving Jurgen Klopp to scold his team from the sidelines. Liverpool might have been punished by Wilder’s offensive players if they had shown a little more class.

Even though Klopp’s squad dominated play, United created many excellent scoring opportunities. They had several decent scoring opportunities, but Cameron Archer froze in front of goal too frequently, unable to decide whether to pass or fire and so missing the target.

Wilder, a local youngster, was greeted with a chant of “Chrissy Wilder, he’s one of our own” after the stadium announcer reminded Bramall Lane that every fan should do their lot to support the players. Liverpool were rattled by the boisterous environment and committed some careless mistakes.

One major offender was Joe Gomez, a right-footed center defender who started at left back. He was nearly responsible for Sheffield United’s first goal when he was caught sleeping in possession on 12 minutes. Caoimhin Kelleher remained resolute as Archer rushed forward and feed James McAtee.

The Irishman, who was criticized for two mistakes in Fulham’s match last weekend, made a vital save. After that, he didn’t get much action, even though the Blades had a few good looks at goal (Archer and Will Osula were both hesitant and missed excellent chances).

In the first half, Liverpool dominated possession (80%), but goalkeeper Wes Foderingham saw little action. The Reds’ first came after captain Anel Ahmedhodzic stumbled over Van Dijk’s knee.

Because of this, Van Dijk was able to volley Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner kick home from within the penalty area. 

Since making his Premier League debut for the Reds in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has accumulated 75 assists, putting him in exclusive company with Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.

Although the headline-grabbing moment was Van Dijk’s volley, Liverpool’s captain put in a commanding defensive effort despite the team’s generally sloppy play. 

Blades’ set pieces and rapid counterattacks were met with the Dutchman’s authoritative presence.

After going scoreless in three of his last four league games—a dry spell by his superhuman standards—Salah had a golden opportunity to score his 200th goal for Liverpool in the 56th minute, but Foderingham made an incredible save to tip his powerful right-footed volley over the crossbar.

In the 77th minute, Darwin Nunez had a close-range effort that Foderingham made a respectable save on, and Gomez missed the target with his subsequent shot. Although Liverpool had the upper hand, the hosts kept finding scoring opportunities on the break.

Wilder pushed his team forward in the dying minutes, but they were too chicken to shoot, opting instead to try to stroll the ball into the goal, which mainly benefited Archer and James McAtee, who was on loan from Manchester City.

After Ibrahima Konate tackled the teenager in the area in the 87th minute, McAtee and the majority of Bramall Lane supporters vociferously demanded a penalty. After coming under fire last week for an error, Simon Hooper remained composed and deftly warded off an easy spot-kick.

This was Liverpool’s first Premier League away victory since September, and they left the Blades in last place. In the 94th minute, Nunez found Szoboszlai in space, and the Hungarian skipper scored calmly to put the game to bed.

After performing a couple of miracles during his first tenure in South Yorkshire, it feels like Wilder’s greatest challenge is yet ahead. However, there were many reasons to be optimistic about the start of his sequel, as they were well-drilled at the back and created openings on the other end.