Leeds: Liverpool got back to their winning ways after registering a comfortable 3-0 win over Leeds’ United at Elland Road making it to the top three following Manchester United and Chelsea of the Premier League 2021-22 table.
Even from the start of the game, the visitors appeared to be the dominant side. Diogo Jota, who had taken over for Roberto Firmino due to injury, had put Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier under pressure several times before Joel Mario crafted a beautiful play that Mohammad Salah sublimely shot past Meslier in the 20th minute to record his 100th goal of the tournament.
‘Mo’s record is crazy,” Jurgen Klopp said. “He is still hungry and I don’t know how many records he can break.
“Since he joined us he has been the perfect player — a top-class player,” added Klopp.
Although the Reds were quite wasteful with chances, a second for the side came in about five minutes from the start of the second half Virgil Van Djik headed a cross into Fabinho’s path which the Brazilian put home. Ten minutes later the hosts were rendered to 10 men after Daniel Struijk was sent off following an ugly tackle on Liverpool teen Harvey Elliott that saw him to carried away in a stretcher.
Speaking of Elliott’s condition, Klopp said, I couldn’t care less [if it was a red card], it is not my business. It is a serious injury, definitely for an 18-year-old boy. The red card is not important. Two or three weeks we can play on, Harvey will not,” Klopp said.
“We played a really good game until Harvey had to go, the whole team was shocked and we lost rhythm. That is normal, human. We played as good as we can against Leeds. You have to be ready for brutal intensity. The crowd was there and an exciting football game with us as the deserved winner.
“I spoke to the boys afterwards, we have to speak a little bit about the football but Harvey overshadows it.”
Former Manchester United defender Daniel James made his debut for Leeds United at the 68th minute as Liverpool kept dominating 10 men Leeds.
The final goal came from Sadio Mané after he slotted in a Thiago Alcantara assist, three minutes into the extra time after eight minutes were added to make up for the time lost.
The win saw Liverpool continue their unbeaten run as they level their points with Manchester United and Chelsea although the former being placed at the top of the table owning to goal differences.
