Liverpool were held to a 3-3 draw by Leeds United in a thriller at Elland Road on Saturday evening, with the Reds twice throwing away the lead in a rollercoaster of a match
Liverpool twice surrendered their lead in a 3-3 Premier League draw against struggling Leeds United on Saturday evening. A brace from Hugo Ekitike put the Reds in front, but a penalty from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and a strike from Anton Stach brought Leeds back level.
Dominik Szoboszlai then scored for Liverpool in the 80th minute, only for substitute Ao Tanaka to equalise in the sixth minute of added time.
The outcome means Arne Slot’s team missed the opportunity to climb to fifth place in the table, remaining two points shy of the Champions League qualification spots.
The Daily Star Sport rates the performances of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 6
Aside from one misplaced pass, the goalkeeper had little to do in the first half. He dealt with a few shots aimed directly at him after the break and couldn’t prevent the Leeds goals.
Conor Bradley 7
Often playing more like a right-winger, his speed caused issues for Leeds. His energy and skill helped create the second goal. He was booked and later substituted.
Ibrahima Konate 4
He stood his ground against Calvert-Lewin in the early stages and defended confidently until an unnecessary challenge on Gnonto sparked Leeds’ first comeback.
Virgil van Dijk 5
Struggled somewhat with Calvert-Lewin’s physicality in the first half and sent a header over from a free-kick before being denied by Perri.
Milos Kerkez 6
Defensively solid and not intimidated in aerial duels, he also supported the attack. Another positive step for the Hungarian.
Ryan Gravenberch 5
Acceleration saw him dart through the midfield at times, and he used his body effectively in the central tussle. His sideline pass brilliantly set up the third goal, but his defence was lacking for Leeds’ second equaliser.
Curtis Jones 7
He injected energy into the midfield with his rapid passing and was unlucky with a shot that hit the crossbar. He put in a tremendous amount of work.
Dominik Szoboszlai 7
He moved inside when needed, with his pressing and game reading winning the ball back at crucial moments. He lost possession in the build-up to Leeds’ second goal but made up for it with a composed finish for the third.
Florian Wirtz 5
He created an early opportunity for Ekitike and was lively whenever he had the ball, but didn’t see enough of it and seemed to tire in the second half. Substituted.
Cody Gakpo 6
His first-half shot was deflected wide, and while he found himself in some promising positions, he could have done more. He was thwarted by an excellent save from Perri in the second half.
Hugo Ekitike 8
He was knocked about by Leeds goalkeeper Perri and had a shot deflected behind during a patchy first-half performance, but two superb finishes at the start of the second half put Liverpool ahead. Substituted.
Substitutes
Alexis Mac Allister (for Wirtz 68) 6.
His most significant contribution was stepping over Gravenberch’s pass for the third goal.
Joe Gomez (for Bradley 68) 6.
He made a couple of robust challenges. Booked.
Wataru Endo (for Gakpo 83).
Did typical Endo things.
Alexander Isak (for Ekitike 83).
He ran around a bit and saw a header go wide.