Liverpool's familiar defensive frailties resurfaced in dramatic fashion as Leeds United scored a 96th-minute equaliser to secure a pulsating 3-3 draw at Elland Road, dealing a significant blow to the Premier League champions' title aspirations.
Chaos in Yorkshire as Lead Vanishes Twice
The match was a tale of two stunning comebacks from the home side. Hugo Ekitike, handed a surprise start ahead of the benched Alexander Isak, looked to have won the game for Liverpool with two quick-fire goals early in the second half. His double within three minutes, the first a gift from Joe Rodon's errant pass, gave the Reds what seemed an unassailable 2-0 lead.
However, the game turned on a 73rd-minute penalty conceded by Ibrahima Konate for a reckless challenge on Wilfried Gnonto. After a VAR review, Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot. In a breathtaking twist, Anton Stach levelled the scores just two minutes later, completing a rapid double for Daniel Farke's men.
Szoboszlai's Joy Turns to Despair
Liverpool thought they had stolen victory when Dominik Szoboszlai produced a composed finish with ten minutes of normal time remaining, sending the away fans into raptures. Yet, there was one final, cruel twist in store.
Deep into stoppage time, Liverpool failed to clear a corner, and substitute Ao Tanaka slammed the ball home to send Elland Road into bedlam and secure a priceless point in Leeds' battle against relegation. The goal highlighted a worrying trend for Arne Slot's side, who have now failed to score in the first half of ten Premier League matches this season.
Tactical Decisions and Costly Errors
Slot's team selection raised eyebrows, with Mohamed Salah dropped to the bench for a third consecutive game, joined there by the club-record signing Isak. While Ekitike's selection initially proved inspired, the defensive collapse will dominate the post-mortem. The draw leaves Liverpool pondering what might have been after twice surrendering a commanding position.
For Leeds, the character shown to fight back twice against the champions, following their recent 3-1 win over Chelsea, provides a massive boost to their survival hopes and underscores the formidable atmosphere they have cultivated at Elland Road.
