Unbeaten Premier League leaders Liverpool made it a complete 12 months without losing within the pinnacle flight as Sheffield United were brushed aside at Anfield.
A slice of exact fortune enabled the Reds to take an early lead - George Baldock's slip allowing Andy Robertson to installation Mohamed Salah for a easy close-range finish in only the fourth minute.
But there has been not anything fortuitous approximately their win, which Sadio Mane sealed, completing at the second attempt after being played in through Salah.
It keeps the Reds' 13-point benefit at the top of the division after nearest competitors Leicester and Manchester City each won on New Year's Day.
Jurgen Klopp's side have dropped simply two points from a possible 60 this season.
For Chris Wilder's side, this changed into a 2nd successive defeat, but they continue to be firmly in credit from the first half in their league campaign and take a seat eighth in the table, just two factors off fifth.
A stunning year
Liverpool's 18th consecutive league win and 51st top-flight encounter with out defeat in a row at Anfield was another exhibit for a aspect operating to near most capacity.
Despite Klopp labelling as "criminal" a festive fixture time table that has seen his side play six games in 17 days, the German saved his team changes to a minimum.
He did ought to make a overdue alteration, bringing James Milner in for the person he firstly drafted in to the aspect, Naby Keita, who injured himself in the warm-up, however it made little discernable difference.
In fact, Milner was excellent as one third of a awesome midfield unit, together with Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Their work-rate, motion and accuracy of passing furnished the platform, with Virgil van Dijk alert and efficient at the rare activities Sheffield United were allowed a kick within the Liverpool half.
A slice of exact fortune enabled the Reds to take an early lead - George Baldock's slip allowing Andy Robertson to installation Mohamed Salah for a easy close-range finish in only the fourth minute.
But there has been not anything fortuitous approximately their win, which Sadio Mane sealed, completing at the second attempt after being played in through Salah.
It keeps the Reds' 13-point benefit at the top of the division after nearest competitors Leicester and Manchester City each won on New Year's Day.
Jurgen Klopp's side have dropped simply two points from a possible 60 this season.
For Chris Wilder's side, this changed into a 2nd successive defeat, but they continue to be firmly in credit from the first half in their league campaign and take a seat eighth in the table, just two factors off fifth.
A stunning year
Liverpool's 18th consecutive league win and 51st top-flight encounter with out defeat in a row at Anfield was another exhibit for a aspect operating to near most capacity.
Despite Klopp labelling as "criminal" a festive fixture time table that has seen his side play six games in 17 days, the German saved his team changes to a minimum.
He did ought to make a overdue alteration, bringing James Milner in for the person he firstly drafted in to the aspect, Naby Keita, who injured himself in the warm-up, however it made little discernable difference.
In fact, Milner was excellent as one third of a awesome midfield unit, together with Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Their work-rate, motion and accuracy of passing furnished the platform, with Virgil van Dijk alert and efficient at the rare activities Sheffield United were allowed a kick within the Liverpool half.