Liverpool Collapse Again as Leeds Stun Champions in Stoppage-Time Chaos
Leeds Punish Liverpool in Dramatic 3-3 Draw
Super sub Ao Tanaka scored deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 3-3 draw for Leeds as struggling Premier League champions Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead at Elland Road.
Arne Slot’s side looked on course for a crucial victory when Hugo Ekitike struck twice in quick succession at the start of the second half, but Leeds produced a stunning late fightback to expose Liverpool’s defensive problems once again.
Liverpool Take Control After a Lively Start
Leeds began brightly, with Noah Okafor dragging narrowly wide before seeing another attempt blocked following a Gabriel Gudmundsson effort that lifted just over the bar.
Liverpool gradually gained control. Curtis Jones clipped the crossbar from the edge of the box and Virgil van Dijk headed over from close range. Dominik Szoboszlai missed a promising free-kick as the first half ended with both sides trading chances.
Ekitike’s Quickfire Double
The match changed completely within minutes of the restart. A poor pass by Joe Rodon allowed Ekitike to race through and calmly finish past Lucas Perri in the 48th minute.
Only two minutes later, Conor Bradley robbed Gudmundsson and crossed for Ekitike to bundle home after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal.
Liverpool, seemingly in control, appeared ready to finish the contest as Perri made an outstanding save to deny Cody Gakpo shortly after.
Leeds Launch Spirited Comeback
The game flipped again when substitute Willy Gnonto was fouled by Ibrahima Konate, with VAR advising the referee to check the monitor. Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the penalty to reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute.
Leeds equalised moments later. Substitute Brenden Aaronson worked the ball cleverly to Anton Stach, who cut inside and finished calmly at the near post, sending Elland Road into celebration.
Late Drama as Liverpool Falter
Liverpool regained control and Szoboszlai restored the lead with a composed finish in the 80th minute. However, their vulnerability at set pieces reappeared in stoppage time.
Leeds forced a corner in the 97th minute and Liverpool failed to clear. The ball fell kindly to Tanaka, who drove his effort into the ground and beyond Alisson to secure a dramatic point for Daniel Farke’s side.
Alexander Isak almost won it at the death, but Leeds held on in a match that delivered six goals, constant momentum swings and a damaging result for Liverpool’s increasingly troubled title defence.
