Leeds United stunned Liverpool with a stoppage-time equaliser from Ao Tanaka in a thrilling second half at Elland Road that saw six goals and drama extending beyond the final whistle.
The hosts had rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw level, only for Dominik Szoboszlai to seemingly hand Liverpool a late win. However, Tanaka’s strike in the sixth minute of added time ensured the points were shared, sending the home crowd into euphoria.
Liverpool, who had endured nine defeats in 12 games, are now unbeaten in three matches, though they squandered victory yet again. Mohamed Salah watched the match from the bench, continuing a trend of omissions that has sparked headlines. After the game, Salah made the striking claim that he feels “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot has broken down, raising questions about his future at the club.
On the field, the first half was largely uneventful. The game came alive in the second half when Hugo Ekitike scored twice in three minutes to put Liverpool ahead. Leeds clawed back when Ibrahima Konaté conceded a penalty, allowing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score. Anton Stach then levelled for Leeds in the 75th minute, before Szoboszlai appeared to secure three points for Liverpool. But Tanaka’s late header denied the visitors victory.
The draw lifted Leeds to 16th in the Premier League, three points above West Ham, while Liverpool remain in eighth.
Liverpool Analysis: Problems Persist
For the third consecutive match, Slot opted to bench Salah, starting Szoboszlai in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Liverpool enjoyed some possession in the first half but struggled to break down Leeds’ low block. Curtis Jones had a curling effort that struck the woodwork, while Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Ekitike failed to create notable chances.
The second half began poorly for Leeds when a misplaced Joe Rodon pass allowed Ekitike to score his first Premier League goal since 20 September. Ekitike then scored again from close range, becoming the first Liverpool player this season to net twice in a game.
Liverpool’s defensive lapses, combined with the absence of Salah from the lineup, contributed to Leeds’ comeback. The 33-year-old forward, who has started 53 consecutive league games, hinted his next match against Brighton could be a farewell, though nothing is confirmed. With only four wins in their last 15 league matches, Liverpool’s problems run deeper than one player’s form.
Leeds Analysis: Spirit and Resilience
Leeds stuck with Daniel Farke’s 3-5-2 system that had beaten Chelsea earlier in the week. They initially appeared sluggish but showed tremendous character in the second half. Konaté’s penalty allowed Calvert-Lewin to pull one back, energising the Elland Road crowd. Stach’s equaliser and Tanaka’s stoppage-time winner exposed Liverpool’s vulnerability to set-pieces—Liverpool have now conceded 10 goals from set-plays this season, only Nottingham Forest (11) have conceded more.
After a tough week that could have threatened Farke’s job, Leeds delivered a spirited display, following up their midweek victory over Chelsea. The atmosphere at Elland Road once again proved crucial in their battle for Premier League survival.
