Liverpool clashed heads with Leeds United at Elland Road earlier tonight as they looked to pick up a victory on the road and boost their chances of qualifying in the Premier League’s top four. The Reds made a good start to the game and took the lead in the 31st minute courtesy of Sadio Mane’s goal. They controlled the game well and went into the half-time break one goal to the good.
However, the Whites came roaring back in the second half and finally managed to net the equalizer via Diego Llorente’s goal from close range in the 87th minute. The contest ended with the Merseyside giants being held to a lacklustre 1-1 draw at West Yorkshire.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the clash against the Whites.
GK: Alisson Becker – 7/10
The Brazilian keeper made some excellent saves to keep his team ahead. However, he couldn’t do much about Llorente’s finish in the latter stages of the game.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
The English keeper kept a good shape at the back and delivered some great long balls to the front players. He picked up another assist for setting up Mane’s goal in the first half.
CB: Ozan Kabak – 6.5/10
The Turkish centre-back read the danger well and was always willing to step up and travel with the ball at his feet. However, he could have done better to prevent Llorente’s late goal.
CB: Fabinho – 6/10
Fabinho looked a bit slow off the ball but did what was required of him as a central defender. However, he will not be pleased after conceding a late goal.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 6/10
Robertson was full of energy and running as usual but lacked any real quality with his crossing in the final third.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 5.5/10
The Spaniard was often overrun by the opposition in midfield and failed to control the game in the second half.
CM: James Milner – 7/10
Milner showed a lot of hunger by winning most of 50-50 duels with the opposition. He was also creative with his passing in the opposition half.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
The Dutch midfielder floated aimlessly without causing any problems for the Whites. He ran out of gas in the final quarter of the game which was one of the many reasons why Liverpool ended the game so poorly.
RW: Sadio Mane – 6/10
The Senegalese speedster was there at the right position to tap the ball home from close range to give his team the lead-up in the 31st minute. However, he offered very little in the second half and got substituted in the process.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 6.5/10
The Brazilian striker faded in and out of the game. However, he tried to make things happen but never looked like he would score himself.
LW: Diogo Jota – 6/10
Jota worked his socks off to stretch the Leeds backline but was guilty of missing a great chance when he failed to hit the target with his header from close range.
Substitutes:
ST: Mohamed Salah – 6/10
Salah worked hard but had very little joy during his time on the field.
CM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10
He had a glorious chance to net the winner but fluffed his lines with his attempt.
