The Reds’ season is rapidly degrading after they lost to a team that was facing relegation for the second straight Premier League match. For Liverpool, a campaign that made so many lofty promises is turning into a nightmare, and this is where it hit its lowest point.
Their illustrious 29-game, 19-month streak of victories in the Premier League at Anfield has been broken by a Leeds team that began the day ranked 19th in the standings. Crysencio Summerville’s goal in the 89th minute silenced home supporters as Jesse Marsch’s team earned their first victory in eight games with a 2-1 victory.
However, Liverpool struggled the entire time. Darwin Nunez was turned away by Meslier three times, while Roberto Firmino was brilliantly stopped once more. Leeds, however, had their opportunities. Before Summerville was able to gather the ball in the box and guide home in front of a jubilant away end, Brenden Aaronson struck the crossbar, Alisson saved from Jack Harrison, and Patrick Bamford took a heavy touch when clear through.
Leeds won here for the first time since 2001, and they celebrated it in style. Meanwhile, it’s another gloomy Saturday for Liverpool. This season has seen way too many of those.
The Performing Side:
Illan Meslier: Since he has given up 10 goals in his last two visits, Leeds’ goalkeeper doesn’t have fond memories of this venue, and when he emerged from his goal after just one minute, he must have expected the worse. Fortunately for him, Mohamed Salah’s attempt was blocked by Pascal Struijk, and Leeds and Meslier grew stronger as a result.
Meslier twice more denied Nunez after the break and dove to his right to stop Roberto Firmino’s header. He used his feet to block a shot from Salah and deflect one from Andy Robertson. Every Leeds player, but especially the goalkeeper, deserved their victory.
Brenden Aaronson: Another game, another illustration of how wits, vigor, and talent can cause difficulties for this Liverpool side. This season, it has been so prevalent. from Leandro Trossard to Gabriel Martinelli, from Eberechi Eze to Jadon Sancho. Here was Aaronson, engaging the Reds in combat and triumphing.
The American international has been one of Leeds’ top players this season, and he was in this game as well. His dynamism, pushing, and knack for getting the ball out of tight spots let Marsch’s team play on the front foot far more than most had imagined they would.
The Losing Side:
Virgil van Dijk’s pride: The Dutchman’s illustrious 70-game streak came to an end here as Klopp’s team suffered their first league home defeat since Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace wrecked the party in April 2017.
Here, Gomez’s backpass caught Alisson off guard, giving Rodrigo the easiest of finishes before the Kop had a chance to warm up its vocal cords, leaving Van Dijk speechless. If the beginning was poor, the finale was much worse, with Summerville breaking Liverpool hearts after Patrick Bamford, a replacement, set him up. James Milner was powerless to block the cross from the left, and Van Dijk and Gomez were sluggish to react inside the penalty box.
Fabinho: The same could most probably be said for Fabinho if Van Dijk had a trying night since his search for form doesn’t appear to have any promising results. He turned to argue with the Kop, who had booed when Harvey Elliott lost the ball in a risky place in the first half, and it was obvious that he wasn’t himself.
He also won’t win any points with Klopp, who chastised his midfield anchor shortly after for failing to take charge of another circumstance, allowing Leeds to creep in and maintaining the crowd’s high blood pressure. When Fabinho’s number appeared at the hour mark, it came as no surprise. If he began for Tottenham the next Saturday, it would be unexpected.
The Defensive Side:
Alisson Becker: He was unable to stop Summerville’s winning goal due to an unfortunate slip that allowed Leeds to score first. Harrison made a good save at 1-1.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The full-back had another inconsistent performance; while he made some excellent passes, he appeared to lose focus and fitness in the second half.
Joe Gomez: Leeds’ opening-game mix-up with Alisson appeared to have an impact on him. Despite playing several great diagonals, the player made too many errors in the air and appeared uneasy. looks lacking in self-assurance.
Virgil van Dijk: Hasn’t been able to play with the same authority as we’re used to and was slow to react to the game-winning goal.
Andy Robertson: By colliding with Aaronson and arguing with Adams, he set up the equalizer and enlivened the crowd. In the second half, it waned.
Again using a midfield diamond, Klopp’s team was outplayed by Leeds’ pressure and vigor. He was unhappy, yet his changes had the opposite effect. looking for solutions.
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