Leeds United and Liverpool served up a thrilling 3-3 spectacle at Elland Road, a contest packed with momentum swings, penalties, and late drama that kept the crowd breathless until the final whistle.
Ao Tanaka struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a deserved point for Leeds, capping off what had already been an emotionally charged Premier League clash earlier in the day.
Liverpool seemed to be in full control after Hugo Ekitike fired in two quick goals early in the second half to hand the visitors a 2-0 cushion. But Leeds roared back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach, who found the net to haul the hosts level.
When Dominik Szoboszlai scored in the 80th minute, it looked like Liverpool had secured all three points. Yet Tanaka and Leeds refused to fold, snatching a dramatic equaliser and celebrating a night that will live long in the memory at Elland Road.
Gary Neville was shocked by what he saw from Leeds United
The former Manchester United defender conceded that this was supposed to be the week when Leeds were expected to be lined up for relegation from the Premier League this season.
However, he admitted that the Leeds players have turned it into a week of hope with their performances against three of the biggest teams in the land.
Neville was also impressed with the tactical flexibility Daniel Farke showed in the game against Liverpool, which allowed his team to get a point at home.
“Man City away. Chelsea at home. Liverpool at home. The week that was probably going to be cementing their place in the Championship next season”, Neville said on Sky Sports.
“It’s been the week of hope.
“Four points. And they nearly got a point at Man City. They’ve been fantastic.
“Fair dos to [Leeds boss Daniel Farke]. I thought when he was changing his team, it was a case of just resting them for the next game, but they played that 3-5-2, they played a bit more direct, then he’s flipped his system into a 4-2-3-1 that has actually played through Liverpool at times.”
Leeds must not lose momentum
Leeds are again looking like the team from early in the season, with the resilience and fight they have shown in the last three Premier League games.
They are now 16th in the Premier League table, and are again resembling a side who are going to survive in the Premier League this season.
However, it is easy to lose momentum and go on a bad run in the Premier League. Leeds have already done it once and know how quickly things could unravel.
Leeds are going to lose more games this season, and there are going to be disappointing performances. However, they must now allow themselves to get into another rut.
The positivity this week must end up being the turning point of their season, and not a brief upturn in form, which could dissipate quickly.
Farke has shown his tactical flexibility in the last few games, and must continue to remain unpredictable to ensure Leeds are still a Premier League club next season.
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