Match Report- A close game that was expected to be the match of the game-week, was played between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield. The Reds started off the match, the better team and were on top of the game. They saw Salah’s deflected strike hit a Leed’s defenders’ arm to earn an early penalty. The Egyptian stepped up on the fourth minute to make it 1-0 to Liverpool.
Shortly after, a long ball up Trent Alexander-Arnold’s side saw a great run from Harrison. It was good enough for him to beat Trent and Gomez easily. He managed to take a great shot at Alisson’s near post, beating him to equalize for Leeds United. It was not great defending from the right side of Liverpool’s defence.
The Tale Of A Really Tough Game
Then, only eight minutes later, Liverpool had a corner on the left-hand side. Up stepped Andy Robertson to take it and he put a great corner into the centre. The dangerous Virgil Van Dijk stepped up to head it into the corner. The keeper would have been a little disappointed not to have kept this out but still a powerful header from the centre half.
Then an uncharacteristic error from the big centre half Virgil Van Dijk made a mess of the clearance with a lapse of judgement between himself and Alisson and headed it to Patrick Bamford who put it past Alisson who got a slight touch but wasn’t enough to keep it out. It was only his second goal in the premier league a huge moment for Bamford who many weren’t sure could handle the move back up to the premier league again an impressive game so far for him.
What Happened When Liverpool Took The Lead?
The game at 2-2 which way would the game swing next. Yet again it flipped in Liverpool’s favour a free-kick crossed in by Andy Robertson. It was headed away not strongly
as Salah controlled it at the back post in space. He smashed it right in the top corner. What a fantastic finish to make it 3-2, with Liverpool going into half time to make it such an exciting first half.
The second half started off as the first half Liverpool on the attack but not really taking their chances would they rue those missed chances. As the second half continued Leeds started to get into the game and on the 66th minute Leeds got their reward with a well-worked move, Finished by Mateusz Klich.
Liverpool with how that defence was opened up will be disappointed, it was uncharacteristic of Liverpool to concede three goals very often, solo errors by some of their fantastic defenders. Jurgen Klopp and Bielsa then brought on some subs Fabinho came on for Naby Keita on the 58th minute, Followed by Rodrigo for Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts for Pablo Hernandez for Leeds.
How The Game Ended Eventually?
Klopp then brought on Curtis Jones for Jordan Henderson. The second half was coming to an end, with the scores being tied. On the 88th minute, a corner was put in from the left-hand side. Robertson swung one in Van Dijk challenges for the header.
Wijnaldum then broke it to Fabinho in the box, as he made a run and was challenged for a penalty. It was a bad challenge by the new Leeds striker Rodrigo, who came on as a second-half substitute. Mo Salah stepped up and scores the penalty to give Liverpool a 4-3 lead with two minutes to go. Klopp then brought on Joel Matip for Trent Alexander-Arnold to solidify the defence for the final minutes. Liverpool held on for a nervous win.
Liverpool fans will be happy with the win. Salah’s form is back. However, a lot of defensive work to be done to improve. Bielsa will be buoyed by the heart and passion his players gave to give the champions a game. Leeds didn’t look too out of place. However, the champions move on to the game against Chelsea, their second match of the season. They will need to toughen up that defence to keep Werner, Pulisic (possibly) and Havertz out.
