The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Leeds United ended in a riveting 3-3 stalemate at Anfield, with Hugo Ekitike shining with two goals early in the second half. Leeds seemed to be on course for a win after gaining an advantage, but they were unable to maintain their lead and let victory slip away. Ekitike’s goals came at the 47th minute and 49th minute, complemented by a strike from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 79th minute that kept Liverpool’s hopes alive.
On the other side, Leeds United responded with goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who netted a penalty at the 72nd minute, Anton Stach at the 74th minute, and Ao Tanaka at 95th minute, showcasing their resilience. Ekitike’s first goal was a powerful shot from the edge of the box after an impressive left-wing play.
In the first half, Liverpool missed a key opportunity when Curtis Jones hit the post in the 15th minute, which proved crucial in the end.
Ao Tanaka emerged as a standout performer for Leeds, scoring a goal, completing 9 successful passes, and taking 2 shots during the match.
Another notable player was Hugo Ekitike, who not only scored twice but also took 4 shots and recorded 8 successful passes, earning praise from fans and analysts alike.
Leeds’ manager, Daniel Farke, employed a 3-5-2 formation with Lucas Perri in goal; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk as defenders; Jayden Bogle, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Gabriel Gudmundsson in midfield; and Dominic Calvert-Lewin alongside Noah Okafor in attack.
In contrast, Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot opted for a 4-5-1 setup with Alisson guarding the goal; Conor Bradley, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Milos Kerkez in defense; Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo in midfield; and Ekitike leading the frontline.
Referee Anthony Taylor was officiating the match, ensuring fair play throughout the encounter.
Looking ahead, Leeds United will face Brentford away next, while Liverpool will host Brighton and Hove at Anfield. Following this match, Liverpool currently sits in 16th place in the league with 15 points, while Leeds United occupies the 8th spot with 23 points.
Substitutions for Leeds United
64’ 2T – Jaka Bijol replaced by Brenden Aaronson
65’ 2T – Ilia Gruev replaced by Ao Tanaka, Noah Okafor replaced by Willy Gnonto
86’ 2T – Ethan Ampadu replaced by Joël Piroe
92’ 2T – Jayden Bogle replaced by 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 replaced by Joe Gomez, Florian Wirtz replaced by Alexis Mac Allister
82’ 2T – Cody Gakpo replaced by Wataru Endo
83’ 2T – Hugo Ekitike replaced by Alexander Isak
Yellow Cards for Liverpool:
47’ 1T Conor Bradley (Unsporting behavior), 35’ 2T Virgil van Dijk (Dissent), 45’ 2T Joe Gomez (Unsporting behavior)