Liverpool's Last-Gasp Heroics Against Leeds Leave Slot Fighting for His Future

Liverpool squandered two separate advantages as they were forced to settle for a thrilling 3–3 stalemate after Ao Tanaka's stunning 96th-minute equalizer.

Liverpool managed to navigate the hostile Elland Road atmosphere while dominating a subdued opening period, though they never truly overwhelmed their opponents. Curtis Jones's curling strike against the woodwork represented the finest opportunity either team created in the Yorkshire downpour.

The Reds sparked into action following the interval as Hugo Ekitiké propelled them to a commanding two-goal cushion within five minutes of the second half's commencement, but two Leeds strikes in consecutive minutes exposed Liverpool's vulnerable defense as Anton Stach complemented Dominic Calvert-Lewin's spot-kick.

Arne Slot's squad believed they had clinched triumph when Dominik Szoboszlai netted a third goal, but their defensive frailties were brutally highlighted in the final moments as Tanaka hammered home a last-gasp equalizer from a set-piece.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Alisson—5.4: Encountered zero attempts during an unremarkable opening half before being breached three times after the interval. Will undoubtedly be frustrated with his defensive colleagues ahead of him.

RB: Conor Bradley—7.3: Delivered vibrant energy along the right wing and essential attacking width, creating Ekitiké's second goal with an accurate delivery. Received an unnecessary booking that sidelines him for next weekend's encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion, though was exceptional otherwise.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—6.3: A reckless sliding tackle presented Leeds with their penalty opportunity and he offered little redemption for their second goal. Another deeply disappointing display from the struggling Frenchman, who benefits from Liverpool's lack of available central defensive alternatives.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—7.5: Initially looked vulnerable against Dominic Calvert-Lewin following a shaky opening, but regained composure as the match progressed. Executed numerous defensive interventions and will be livid about conceding three goals.

LB: Milos Kerkez—6.6: The Hungarian has faced legitimate criticism for his inconsistent displays in Liverpool colors, but remained relatively steady against Leeds from a defensive perspective.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch—7.4: A showing more reminiscent of previous season's standards as he floated across the pitch and surged past Leeds midfielders. Excelled both with and without possession, providing an exquisite assist for Szoboszlai.

DM: Curtis Jones—7.7: Substituted for Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot and maintained rhythm. Struck the crossbar with a beautiful attempt, though didn't shine in the buildup to Leeds' second goal.

RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—8.3: Unlucky not to have netted the decisive goal that another outstanding performance merited, but can be proud after another tireless showing in an unusual position.

AM: Florian Wirtz—6.8: Slightly disappointing after two promising displays. Deployed too wide to create genuine impact, though remained characteristically composed with the ball.

LW: Cody Gakpo—6.7: Another exasperating outing from the Dutchman, who received ample possession in crucial zones but failed to deliver. Ineffective when forced onto his weaker foot and overly predictable cutting inside on his stronger side.

ST: Hugo Ekitiké—8.9: Continues appearing significantly sharper than Alexander Isak and has certainly secured another starting opportunity against Inter midweek following his double strike. Operated energetically throughout the attacking third, displaying clever touches and blistering pace.

Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Andy Robertson, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha, Mohamed Salah.

Leeds United (3-5-2)

Starting XI: Lucas Perri; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.

Subs used: Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka, Joël Piroe, Sebastiaan Bornauw.

Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké

Leeds 3–3 Liverpool—How It Unfolded at Elland Road

Mohamed Salah was again relegated to the substitutes' bench as Arne Slot implemented four alterations from midweek's disappointing home result against Sunderland, with one of the newcomers creating Liverpool's opening opportunity. Curtis Jones attempted a strike from the penalty area's edge, but his curving shot rebounded off Lucas Perri's crossbar.

Liverpool maintained their probing around the Leeds penalty area with Virgil van Dijk next to menace the hosts' goal. Despite their possession dominance in the final third, a dead-ball situation provided the Reds with an excellent chance as their captain directed a header over from close range.

Leeds succeeded in regaining some momentum at the thirty-minute mark as they attempted to unsettle Liverpool's shaky defensive unit, yet it remained the visitors who approached closest to opening the scoring before halftime. Cody Gakpo's signature cut-inside-and-shoot maneuver resulted in a deflected effort that sailed narrowly wide.

Liverpool lacked cutting edge in attack during the opening period but required merely five minutes to establish a two-goal lead after the break. Ekitiké provided the Reds with their clinical finishing as he struck twice rapidly to calm any anxiety in the visiting supporters' section at Elland Road.

The Frenchman's opener came courtesy of Joe Rodon, who presented the striker with an early festive gift. Ekitiké calmly converted past Perri after capitalizing on an errant pass, quickly adding his second as he forced Conor Bradley's cross across the line having seen penalty claims dismissed moments before.

Liverpool seemed destined for a comfortable second consecutive away victory until Ibrahima Konaté's careless sliding challenge on Wilfried Gnonto within the penalty area offered Leeds a pathway back into contention. A penalty was granted after Anthony Taylor consulted the pitchside monitor, with former Everton forward Calvert-Lewin powering past Alisson.

Predictably, the goal completely altered momentum in Leeds' direction as the home supporters erupted—and they soon celebrated even louder. An impressive passing sequence down Liverpool's right flank concluded with Stach firing into the net to completely reverse the match's complexion within two minutes.

However, a frantic second half contained additional twists. Initially, Liverpool regained their advantage ten minutes from time as a goal crafted in midfield saw Ryan Gravenberch locate Szoboszlai through a clever dummy from Alexis Mac Allister. The Hungarian rolled past Perri for Liverpool's third strike.

Nevertheless, their defensive weaknesses were exposed once more in the closing stages as Tanaka smashed home a corner at the back post after Liverpool failed to clear effectively. Another frustrating result for Slot's team leaves them eighth in the standings with additional questions requiring answers.

Leeds vs. Liverpool Half-Time Stats

Leeds vs. Liverpool Full Time Stats