Leeds United Misery : What Next For German Boss?
Leeds United have come away from Liverpool with a massive three points in the Premier League, as goals from Rodrygo and Holland youngster, Crysencio Summerville, were enough to defeat Jurgen Klopp’s uninspiring side.
Ilian Meslier Proved Unbeatable Once Again
It was a nightmare start for Liverpool as they found themselves behind after just three minutes when Rodrygo pounced on a poor pass as Joe Gomez wrongfooted Allison, who had moved out of his goal, leaving a space for the Brazilian to tap in.
With possession in favor of the home side, they put more pressure in an attempt to equal Leeds’ lead. Their resilience was rewarded 10 minutes later when Egyptian king Mohammad Salah volleyed home Andy Robertson’s cross from close range, much to the eruption of the home fans.
Leeds were at their best in the first period and didn’t look short of confidence as they continued to stride forward in the fast-paced encounter. Brenden Aaronson struck the bar, and Leeds continued to force a save from Liverpool’s goalkeeper Allison.
On the other end of the pitch, Leeds was relentless in their defending, however, and managed to hold on heading into the break level at halftime.
Liverpool was understandably angry heading into the half-time break and whatever Klopp might have said to his side during the break was pivotal. They came out firing in the second half, and straight from kick-off, the Merseyside team continued to knock on Ilian Meslier’s door. In the 67th minute, Nunez, unmarked in the box, was set free by a defense-splitting pass, and his option to shoot toward the left side of the post was matched by Meslier’s reaction save.
Then, 13 minutes later, Darwin Nunez was there to send a scintillating shot towards the top of the roof after a brilliant touch of control; the Leeds french goalkeeper was once again equal to the task as he thwarted the Uruguayan’s shot out for a corner.
Liverpool looked like they were going to grind out a win as they went all out for the remainder of the match; their typical attacking-minded approach was set to their benefit as Roberto Firmino called Ilian Meslier to action twice within the last ten minutes.
Leeds’s resurgent defense and their tireless work rate were rewarded in the closing stages of the game as Crysencio Summerville latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, beating the goalkeeper with a shot into the bottom right corner – famously ending Virgil Van Dijk’s unbeaten run at Anfield since his signature.
Virgil van Dijk’s Premier League record at Anfield was finally broken after 71 appearances in which he recorded 59 wins and 11 draws before this solo defeat. It was a bad day in the office for the Netherland’s defender, who has been subject to criticism more often this season over his lackluster defending.
In Conclusion
This loss is Liverpool’s second straight defeat to a relegation-threatened team after their loss to Nottingham Forest. Jurgen Klopp’s men should be eager to find a turnaround in their form as they continually slip away from the champions league spots.
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