In a thrilling encounter in the Premier League’s 15th round, Liverpool faced off against Leeds United, with the match ending in a 3-3 stalemate. Liverpool, despite showing resilience, will feel frustrated for not securing all three points after leading the game. The Reds saw goals from Hugo Ekitike (47’, 49’) and Dominik Szoboszlai (79’), while Leeds found the net through Dominic Calvert-Lewin (72’, penalty), Anton Stach (74’), and Ao Tanaka (95’).
Hugo Ekitike started the second half brilliantly, scoring just two minutes into the half with a powerful shot that found the corner of the net, giving Liverpool hope of a comeback. Curtis Jones had an opportunity to give Liverpool an early lead in the first half, striking the post within the opening 15 minutes.
Leeds United had a standout performance from Ao Tanaka, who not only scored a crucial goal but also recorded nine successful passes and took two shots. Ekitike’s stunning display earned him accolades, as he managed to score twice and complete eight passes, showcasing his attacking prowess throughout the match.
Leeds’ manager, Daniel Farke, lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Lucas Perri in goal, supported by a defensive line of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk. The midfield consisted of Jayden Bogle, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Gabriel Gudmundsson, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor led the attack.
On the other side, Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot opted for a 4-5-1 arrangement, featuring Alisson in goal, with a backline of Conor Bradley, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield included Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo, with Ekitike taking the striker role.
The match referee, Anthony Taylor, managed the game, ensuring fairness.
Looking forward, Leeds will travel to face Brentford, while Liverpool will host Brighton and Hove in their upcoming fixtures. Following this match, Leeds retains an eighth-place standing with 23 points, while Liverpool sits in sixteenth place with 15 points.
Substitutions for Leeds United
64’ 2T – Jaka Bijol out for Brenden Aaronson
65’ 2T – Ilia Gruev out for Ao Tanaka, Noah Okafor out for Willy Gnonto
86’ 2T – Ethan Ampadu out for Joël Piroe
92’ 2T – Jayden Bogle out for Sebastiaan Bornauw
Yellow Cards for Leeds United:
19’ 1T Jayden Bogle (Unsporting Behavior), 25’ 1T Gabriel Gudmundsson (Unsporting Behavior), 43’ 2T Pascal Struijk (Unsporting Behavior)
Substitutions for Liverpool
67’ 2T – Conor Bradley out for Joe Gomez, Florian Wirtz out for Alexis Mac Allister
82’ 2T – Cody Gakpo out for Wataru Endo
83’ 2T – Hugo Ekitike out for Alexander Isak
Yellow Cards for Liverpool:
47’ 1T Conor Bradley (Unsporting Behavior), 35’ 2T Virgil van Dijk (Dissent), 45’ 2T Joe Gomez (Unsporting Behavior)