Liverpool’s hopes of finishing fourth this season were given a blow, as Leeds came back to earn a late draw in their Premier League match. The result would have had much more significance had the Reds not announced their decision to join The Super League earlier.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were greeted with protests, both outside and inside Elland Road, before their Premier League match against Leeds United. The home side themselves sported special t-shirts with the caption ‘Earn It’ in response to recent revelations that 12 clubs have formed a closed competition called The Super League. Liverpool were named as one of the ‘founding clubs’ when news broke on April 18.
On the pitch, the Reds were made to work hard by a Leeds United side trying to live up to their pre-match message. Marcelo Bielsa’s team had the best chances to go ahead in the first half, too, with Patrick Bamford spurning a good one. Klopp’s team took the lead against the run of play in the 31st minute. Diogo Jota spotted Trent Alexander-Arnold’s timed run and picked him out with an inch-perfect pass. The English full-back got to the ball before Illan Meslier and poked it towards Sadio Mane, who had an empty goal to aim at.
Leeds came back fighting in the second half and continued to carve out several good opportunities for themselves. Jack Harrison went close first, only for Alisson to save his shot with his legs. However, the Brazilian goalkeeper could do nothing but watch when Bamford lifted the ball over him following another Leeds attack. Thankfully, the crossbar came to his rescue on that occasion.
Bielsa continued to pick Tyler Roberts in midfield, and the Welsh international nearly rewarded his manager with the equalizing goal. However, he could only hit Alisson from close range. Leeds finally got their goal three minutes from full-time when Diego Llorente headed home following a corner. This was the Spaniard’s first league goal in English football after his summer move from Real Sociedad.
In a perfect world, the draw would have seriously dented Liverpool’s hopes of finishing in a UEFA Champions League qualification spot this season. However, the Reds have already assured their participation in the continent’s biggest competition ahead of next season, which seriously reduces the significance of this result.
