Liverpool experienced another disappointing downfall, increasing the pressure on manager Arne Slot as Leeds twice clawed back to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday.
Despite taking leads of 2-0 and 3-2 through Hugo Ekitike’s rapid double and Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal, the Reds failed to maintain their advantage, marking their eighth non-win in their last 10 league matches.
Slot’s trust in Ibrahima Konate will come under scrutiny once more, as the French centre-back conceded a penalty that sparked Leeds’ comeback.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty and Anton Stach’s goal drew Leeds level before Szoboszlai quickly restored Liverpool’s lead. However, deep into stoppage time, Liverpool failed to handle a corner, allowing Ao Tanaka to score unmarked
at the back post.
Liverpool’s position remains stagnant in eighth place, showing no signs of halting the alarming decline they’ve faced since clinching their record-equalling 20th title last season.
“There’s a sense of disbelief,” said Slot. “I think we played quite well to very well during large parts of the game and went 2-0 up. It’s not about me. It’s about us, it’s about the fans. The players have worked so hard and again to concede from a set-piece – the 10th or 11th this season. If you concede so many you cannot be higher up the table than we are.”
Slot demonstrated his confidence in Ekitike, choosing him over record signing Alexander Isak, with Mohamed Salah remaining on the bench for the third consecutive game.
Leeds, buoyed by their impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea earlier in the week, gained a valuable point that positions them three points clear of the relegation zone.
“To get out of this week with these performances and this amount of points is great for the lads,” said Farke. “It’s just a point but the lads can take even more than just a point. It feels a bit like a win tonight.”
In a goalless first half, Curtis Jones came closest to scoring with a curling effort that struck the crossbar. Leeds’ downfall began early in the second half when Ekitike capitalised on a loose pass by Joe Rodon to calmly slot past Lucas Perri. The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward then seized on Conor Bradley’s low cross, benefiting from Perri’s failed clearance that rebounded in off Ekitike.
Ekitike has been the standout performer among Liverpool’s big-money signings, totalling nearly £450 million spent in the transfer window, delivering on his potential with eight goals despite limited game time since Isak’s return to fitness.
However, Leeds were given hope due to poor defending from Liverpool. Konate’s subpar form has been a notable aspect of Liverpool’s struggles this season. He recklessly brought down Willy Gnonto on the by-line, leading to a penalty awarded to Leeds after a VAR review 17 minutes from time. Calvert-Lewin converted the spot-kick, and within seconds Leeds were level again. Stach was left unmarked in the Liverpool penalty area and scored with a powerful drive past Alisson Becker.
Leeds’ pursuit of a winner was short-lived, as Liverpool responded promptly. Szoboszlai seized on Alexis Mac Allister’s clever dummy to score into the far corner.
With AFP Inputs
