Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw at Elland Road after surrendering a two goal advantage, increasing the pressure on Head Coach Arne Slot and missing the opportunity to move level on points with fourth placed Chelsea.
The match began with notable team news as Mohamed Salah was named on the bench for a third consecutive league fixture. Despite his absence from the starting line up, Liverpool made a promising start and came close to opening the scoring when Curtis Jones struck the crossbar inside the first quarter of an hour.
Leeds adopted a five man defensive structure under Daniel Farke, a decision consistent with Liverpool’s previous difficulties against similar systems. During the opening stages Leeds focused primarily on defending and created very few attacking opportunities.
Liverpool controlled much of the first half but continued to face the familiar issue of struggling to produce clear chances. Leeds also found it difficult to advance with seven defensive minded outfield players on the pitch. As a result, both teams reached half time without registering a shot on target.
Neither manager made changes at the interval, and Liverpool made an immediate impact after the restart. A misplaced pass allowed Hugo Ekitike to run through on goal and finish into the bottom corner. Ekitike scored again moments later, reacting quickest inside the penalty area to convert Conor Bradley’s delivery and double Liverpool’s lead.
Leeds were given a route back into the match with twenty minutes remaining when Ibrahima Konate conceded a penalty for a foul on Wilfried Gnonto. After referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor, the penalty was awarded and Dominic Calvert Lewin scored, marking his second successive weekend finding the net against a side from the traditional top six.
Leeds equalised shortly afterwards when Anton Stach cut in from the left and finished at the near post. Liverpool responded quickly, extending their lead once again after Alexis Mac Allister allowed the ball to run through for Dominik Szoboszlai, who stepped into the area and scored.
Leeds continued to push forward in the closing minutes and were rewarded in stoppage time. Ao Tanaka arrived at the far post in the 96th minute to score and secure a draw for the home side.
The result leaves Liverpool unable to make ground in the league table, while Leeds gained an important point in their efforts to move further clear of the relegation zone.
