Opinion
It was a thrilling game at Anfield for the fans and neutrals.
The champions of the English Premier League started their title defence with a game against English Championship champions Leeds.
The game ended at 4-3 after the final whistle, courtesy of a late penalty strike from Liverpool talisman Mohammed Salah.
The match promised goals before kickoff and didn’t lack in intensity.
The Reds started strongly and scored from the penalty spot, eight minutes into the game, the first goal of the campaign for Mohammed Salah.
Leeds responded quickly, a good counter attacking run and a solo effort from Jack Harrison dribbling past Trent Alexander Arnold and Joe Gomez before slotting home, beating Allison at his near post.
The Reds took the lead again in the first half, this time from a corner kick which Virgil Van Dijk headed home following a brilliant cross from Andy Robertson.
Leeds replied again after Van Dijk’s costly mistake put Patrick Bamford through on goal. Towards the end of the first half Mohammed Salah scored again, an exquisite volley to the top corner, leaving the goalie with no chance of stopping it.
Just before the last quarter of the game, Leeds pulled one back and this time hoped to salvage a point from Anfield, Mateusz Klich’s shot from close range hitting the back of the net.
Just before the 90 minutes, a clumsy challenge from new signing Rodrigo on Fabinho in the penalty area gave Liverpool a lifeline.
Salah converted to make it 4-3.
What are the talking points from the game?
1. Alexander Arnold and Roberto Firmino need competition
The quality of the players are not questionable but proper back up is needed. These players have played high energy football for over two seasons and need to start getting more days off in games.
Alexander Arnold had one of his worst performances in a while, he lost possession 25 times and got no accurate cross into the box during his time on the pitch.
2. Liverpool’s defensive woes might stop title defence
Leeds deserved to get something out of this game at least for the effort of putting three past Liverpool. It’s not something you come by too often, but Liverpool continuous failure to keep balls out of their goal might scupper their title retention bid.
3. Salah’s head start
A hat trick in the first game of the new season is a bright start for the Egyptian.
4. New league same Leeds
This team played like a team already in the league for a couple of seasons. They are fast on the break, create chances and convert.
Scoring three against Liverpool shows their threat on the break.
5. Leeds defence
To stay in the English Premier League after promotion is a tough task but to achieve this you need to concede fewer goals. Leeds are quite good on the front foot but defensively this team have to improve.
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