Liverpool's acquainted failings return as Leeds snatch thrilling draw – 6 speaking factors
View 6 PhotographsLeeds United produced two separate comebacks to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw with faltering Liverpool at Elland Highway. Hugo Ekitike had given the Premier League champions a two-goal benefit inside the first 5 minutes of the second half earlier than the hosts got here again to degree the scores.
A objective from Dominik Szoboszlai with simply 10 minutes of regular time remaining seemed to have gained the sport, however Ao Tanaka had different concepts. The Leeds substitute grabbed a 96th-minute equaliser, boosting their survival possibilities whereas growing Liverpool's woes.
The key staff information was that Arne Slot selected to bench Mo Salah for third sport working. This time, Salah was joined by Alexander Isak, as Liverpool's £125million man was dropped in favour of Ekitike.
It proved an impressed change, with the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt striker developing trumps with two objectives. Liverpool had possibilities to kill the sport however when Ibrahima Konate took down Wilfried Gnonto, the script was flipped.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin diminished the deficit from the penalty spot and two minutes later, Anton Stach completed off a flowing Leeds transfer and made it 2-2, their very own quick-fire double. The sport went Liverpool's approach once more by way of Szoboszlai however Daniel Farke's males had different concepts and managed to grab a valuable level.
Listed here are six speaking factors from Elland Highway.
READ MORE: Harvey Elliott handed recent Aston Villa blow amid clear Liverpool switch realityREAD MORE: Antoine Semenyo prepared for 'the following step' amid Man Utd and Liverpool switch curiosity
There was of goalmouth motion within the opening 45 however neither goalkeeper had a lot work to do. There have been a complete of 13 makes an attempt on between the edges however not a single one in every of them was on the right track.
After Curtis Jones rattled the crossbar with a long-range roller, Liverpool had the most effective probability by way of Virgil van Dijk, however he headed over from Dominik Szoboszlai's inviting free-kick. As anticipated, it was the Reds who dominated possession and had the lion's share of alternatives, however their radars had been properly off.
View 6 Photographs2. Liverpool's worrying development continues
Liverpool followers are used to watching their aspect go into the half-time break with out scoring. This season, after simply 15 Premier League video games, solely Nottingham Forest (11) have failed to attain within the first half extra instances than Liverpool (10).
Beginning properly is evidently a obvious drawback for Slot's aspect, however it's all about the way you end.
View 6 Photographs3. Ekitike's early Christmas current
The couldn't handle a objective within the first half however it took Liverpool simply three minutes to interrupt the impasse within the second. Joe Rodon's free cross throughout his personal again line gifted Hugo Ekitike a one-on-one probability.
Having gone eight league video games with out scoring, the French striker make no mistake, slotting the ball previous Lucas Perri. And like London buses, two objectives got here without delay.
After Leeds did not clear their strains, Conor Bradley whipped in a cross and regardless of Perri getting a hand on the ball, Ekitike bundled the ball residence. A VAR examine for offside ensued however the objective stood and within the blink of an eye fixed, Leeds had been 2-0 down.
View 6 Photographs4. Konate plunges Liverpool into hassle
Simply as Liverpool appeared to be seeing the sport out, Ibrahima Konate flew in with a sliding sort out and handed Leeds a route again into the sport. Anthony Taylor didn't give a penalty at first however VAR despatched him over to the monitor.
The referee didn't want lengthy and defined that Konate's sort out was 'careless' earlier than pointing to the spot. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up, powering his effort previous Alisson Becker, who'd guessed proper. Recreation on.
And simply as Liverpool scored two quick-fire objectives, so did Leeds. Anton Stach made the Reds pay for some slack defending and abruptly, it was 2-2.
View 6 Photographs5. Tremendous Szob
Criticised for his lack of output when taking part in additional up the pitch, Szoboszlai seemed to have scored one in every of Liverpool's most essential objectives of the season. The Hungarian midfielder produced a composed end however his celebration was impassioned.
You could possibly see precisely what it meant – however the drama wasn't over.
Will Leeds keep up this season? Give us your prediction within the feedback part.
View 6 Photographs6. Tanaka snatches a degree
After going agonisingly near incomes a draw with Manchester Metropolis earlier than beating Chelsea 3-1 at residence, Leeds had causes to be assured. Of their 3-2 loss in opposition to Metropolis, they conceded agonisingly late – and this Saturday it was their flip.
After Liverpool did not clear a nook, Ao Tanaka slammed residence an equaliser and grabbed a helpful level. The away aspect had been crestfallen, throwing away three factors, regardless of dominating giant parts of one other painful sport.
Be part of our new WhatsApp group and obtain your each day dose of Mirror Soccer content material. We additionally deal with our group members to particular provides, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. Should you don't like our group, you possibly can try any time you want. Should you're curious, you possibly can learn our Privateness Discover.
Article continues belowSky Sports activities discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
£43£35SkyGet the deal right here
Sky has slashed the value of its Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle forward of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and providing greater than 1,400 stay matches throughout the Premier League, EFL and extra.
Sky will present not less than 215 stay Premier League video games subsequent season, a rise of as much as 100 extra.