Liverpool put an end to their five-game winless streak in the English Premier League with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Leeds on Monday. Since their 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United more than six weeks ago, Liverpool had failed to secure a win.
After Cody Gakpo’s opening goal and Mohamed Salah’s quick addition, Liverpool dominated the second half and tore apart Leeds. Salah and Diogo Jota both scored two goals each, while Darwin Nunez came off the bench to add a late goal.
Leeds managed to halve the deficit two minutes after the break when Ibrahima Konate lost possession to Luis Sinisterra, who scored over goalkeeper Alisson. However, Leeds’ defense crumbled under Liverpool’s attack, conceding their second heavy home defeat in eight days after losing 5-1 to Crystal Palace. With 60 goals conceded, Leeds has allowed the most goals in the league.
Liverpool’s win keeps them in eighth place in the standings, two points behind Brighton. Leeds’ chances of avoiding relegation took another hit, as they remain in 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s outstanding performance and labeled it as the best of the season. The Liverpool manager was pleased with his team’s counter-pressing display, which was evident in the 92nd minute when they were already up by 6-1, and four players chased the ball after losing possession.
Klopp also mentioned that Liverpool was calm during the critical moments of the game and passed the ball exceptionally well. He singled out Mo Salah’s second goal, which was a result of a smooth team play involving Curtis Jones, Andrew Robertson, and Cody Gakpo.
The game’s opening goal in the 34th minute was mired in controversy when Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to use his arm to control the ball while dispossessing Junior Firpo. Referee Craig Pawson allowed play to continue, and after Salah returned the pass, Alexander-Arnold crossed the ball low for Gakpo to score, with no VAR intervention.
The visitors’ second goal was a legitimate strike. Jota won the ball from McKennie in midfield and fed a through pass to Salah, who blasted a left-footed shot into the top corner from the left edge of the box.
Liverpool capitalized on their first two chances to score twice in four minutes and take full control by halftime.
However, Leeds reduced the deficit two minutes into the second half. Konate was caught out by Sinisterra, who demonstrated strength and composure to chip a precise finish over Alisson.
Liverpool reestablished their two-goal advantage five minutes later. Jota sprinted onto Jones’ defense-splitting pass and curled a first-time shot past Meslier.
Leeds hit the post with Aaronson’s long-range shot and had a Salah goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review before Liverpool secured the result in the 64th minute.
Gakpo assisted Robertson’s cross, which was then easily converted by an unmarked Salah at the far post, marking his 15th league goal of the season.
In the 73rd minute, Liverpool reinforced its dominance with a fifth goal, as Jota managed a scuffed finish from Henderson’s cross.
In the final minute of the game, substitute Nunez sealed the deal with a clinical finish from Alexander-Arnold’s pass, which was deemed onside by VAR.
