Liverpool kept their top four hopes alive on Monday night as they enjoyed a convincing 6-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.
A slow opening 30 minutes saw the visitors lack sharpness in their approach, but a mistake from Junior Firpo in the 35th minute allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold to win back possession before assisting Cody Gakpo after a one-two with Mohamed Salah.
That goal seemed to spark the game into life, and It took a matter of minutes before Javi Gracia’s side found themselves 2-0 down. This time turning over possession in Liverpool’s half after pressure from Diogo Jota, who showed composure before playing through Salah to finish past Illan Meslier.
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A mistake from Ibrahima Konate allowed Leeds back into the game after the restart as Luis Sinisterra pickpocketed him before finishing with class past Alisson, only to see his efforts in vain after Liverpool restored their two-goal advantage when Curtis Jones delivered a precise pass for Diogo Jota to finish.
If Mohamed Salah didn’t put the game beyond doubt with his second of the match, Jota certainly did as he was left completely unmarked to hit a first time strike past the goalkeeper that was helped in by the post. Substitute Darwin Nunez added further misery after timing his run behind the defensive line perfectly before finishing on his left foot.
Positives
Liverpool’s new approach away from home saw them patient with their play with a focus that looked to control possession rather than force openings. They looked dangerous when on the break, and were clinical in front of goal with their chances.
The return of Luis Diaz will also be vital as they look to make a late push for the top four, with the Colombia international substituted on in the 82nd minute.
Negatives
Ibrahima Konate’s error was a moment that needs to be avoided in future games. While the Reds were able to restore their dominance, better opposition could have punished them.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Jurgen Klopp, 7 — Liverpool continued their strong finish to their Premier League match last week against Arsenal, and Klopp got his team selection right as his side took charge of the game from the first minute. His system ensured that Leeds were punished when giving away the ball in advanced areas.
Player ratings (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 6 — Alisson wasn’t troubled too much across the game, with a first-half header from Rodrigo Leeds’ best effort of the first half. Couldn’t do much against Luis Sinisterra who had the advantage after taking the ball off Konate.
DF Andy Robertson, 6 — Punished Robin Koch with an excellent touch to beat him before playing it back to Cody Gakpo, who assisted Liverpool’s fourth to put the game beyond reach.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — The centre-back was decisive with his decision-making, and quick to track back in moments where Leeds were threatening to play a direct ball in behind. Didn’t need to get out of second gear after a disappointing Leeds performance.
DF Ibrahima Konate, 5 — The France international was assured across the game outside of one ridiculous error that provided Leeds with a ticket back into the game when dispossessed by Luis Sinisterra.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 — Jurgen Klopp’s system allowed Alexander-Arnold to take up a mix of positions as he looked to dictate play from the centre during transitions, but it was when he was in familiar territory on the right flank when he won back possession by blocking Junior Firpo’s clearance before assisting Cody Gakpo for the opening goal.
