Liverpool vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction from fixture today
Follow all the action as Jurgen Klopp’s side aim to keep the pressure on Man City
And then, after six unanswered goals, it was down to three points. Pep Guardiola’s description that Liverpool are a “pain in the ass” required the addition of the word “almighty” on Wednesday night as they bulldozed Leeds and took a mega bite into Manchester City’s lead at the Premier League summit.
There was zero sign of anxiety or elevated pressure from those representing the home side on the pitch in a game that took on much greater significance after Harry Kane’s towering 95th-minute header at the Etihad injected life into the title race.
Instead, there was a fury and ferocity to tear into Marcelo Bielsa’s side and cause increased discomfort for City, as told in the first half stats alone: three Liverpool goals, eight shots on target versus none.
The ruthlessness was such that either side of Mohamed Salah’s penalties, a winding Joel Matip run had finally resulted in a fine finish after what seems a lifetime of him trying that.
Follow all the latest updates from Anfield below:
Liverpool vs Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa on Liverpool
Leeds manager, Marcelo Bielsa, had a simple explanation for how his team was going to play when they visit Anfield tonight. Speaking ahead of the game o what it is like to face Liverpool he said:
They are one of the great teams in the league.
“Like every game, we will try to prevent their attacks from damaging us and make our attacks damage them.”
Liverpool vs Leeds: No room for slip-ups as Liverpool start season-defining fortnight with long-awaited visit of Leeds
For the teams at the top end of the game, there comes a point in the season which makes the turn from possibility into reality: a span of matches that dictate if the foundations of the campaign can really lead to trophies, top-four finishes or other objectives.
Liverpool are facing one such juncture in the coming fortnight – a run of five games, across four competitions, which will largely set up how many pieces of silverware they can be optimistic about challenging for in the business end of 2021/22.
No room for slip-ups as Liverpool start season-defining fortnight against Leeds
Five games from now, Jurgen Klopp’s side will know exactly which trophies they’re aiming to lift this term
Liverpool vs Leeds: Premier League standings
Tonight’s match is Liverpool’s game in hand on league leaders Manchester City. City are currently six points ahead of the Reds but Jurgen Klopp’s men can cut that to just three if they are victorious this evening. Liverpool still have to play Man City as well so three points tonight would keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men and keep the Premier League title race alive.
Leeds could soon be drawn into a relegation fight if they do not turn their current form around soon. They currently sit 15th in the table and have a five-point gap over Watford (18th) but the teams below them have slowly been accumulating points. Watford and Burnley (19th) also play this evening, so Leeds are in danger of having their cushion over the drop zone reduced to just two points if they lose to Liverpool.
Liverpool vs Leeds: Recent results
Liverpool have won their last eight fixtures across all competitions since a 0-0 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final (they won the second leg 2-0 away from home). Last time out Norwich City threatened an upset after Milot Rashica scored early in the second half but Sadio Mane and Mo Salah each found the back of the net – three minutes apart – and Luis Diaz netted his first goal at Anfield to send Liverpool away as comfortable victors.
Leeds haven’t won in four matches since a 3-2 victory over West Ham back in January. Last time out they went two goals behind in the first half against Manchester United but made a remarkable comeback early in the second half with goals from Rodrigo and substitute Raphinha. However, Man Utd also had quality off the bench with Fred then Anthony Elanga firing home to make Leeds suffer a 4-2 loss at Elland Road.
Liverpool vs Leeds: Injuries and absentees
Liverpool are without strikers Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota who are both unavailable due to respective muscle and ankle injuries. Jurgen Klopp says no new injury updates in the squad.
Robin Koch was forced off the pitch against Manchester United with a head injury and is unable to play for Leeds who are also without the injured Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde and Kalvin Phillips. Raphinha may return to the starting XI.
Liverpool host Leeds in Premier League
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Liverpool host Leeds in the Premier League this evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s side can move to within three points of Manchester City at the top of the table and come into tonight’s fixture in fine form, having won their last five league games in succession. The Reds were given a brief scare after falling behind against Norwich at the weekend, however, they responded emphatically to seal a 3-1 victory and have taken firm control of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Inter Milan too.
Fortunes at Leeds are not shining as brightly, though, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side just five points clear of the relegation zone, having taken just one point from their past four league games. Speculation continues to build surrounding the future of Raphinha, as well as Bielsa himself, while Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford are still sidelined.
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