In the first half, Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a series of fine saves to frustrate Liverpool, whose recent lack of cutting edge in front of goal seemed set to continue.
Liverpool ended a run of four successive Premier League defeats and scored their 7,000th top-flight goal during a victory at Sheffield United that moves them within two points of a Champions League place.
Liverpool’s lead was doubled when Roberto Firmino’s effort deflected off Kean Bryan and over a stranded Ramsdale. It was the club’s 7,000th goal in England’s top flight.
Curtis Jones, 20, demonstrated the clinical touch that his teammates missed shortly after the break to break the hosts’ resolve.
Sheffield United were competitive throughout and Oliver McBurnie may have done better when he headed wide while unmarked from Oliver Norwood’s cross.
But the bottom-placed Blades will now have to produce an unprecedented recovery if they are to remain in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool’s lead was doubled when Roberto Firmino’s effort deflected off Kean Bryan and over a stranded Ramsdale. It was the club’s 7,000th goal in England’s top flight.
The Reds are just the second team in the Premier League to cross the landmark, after Merseyside rivals Everton, who have 7,108 goals.
Sheffield United – Liverpool 0-2
Goals: Jones (48), Bryan (64 og).
