Leeds United made a surprising return to the English top flight division after being absent for 16 years. Their opening fixture saw them produce an astonishing display only to lose to a late penalty in a breathtaking tie against champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool, back in action after winning their first title in 30 years, led three times in the game but were pegged back on each occasion by Marcelo Bielsa’s hungry side before the match was settled by hat-trick hero Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick.
Leeds who looked to be taking a well deserved point at the Anfield gave it away when new £30m striker Rodrigo, on as a substitute, went ahead to produce a shocking challenge on Fabinho in the 88th minute, placing the opportunity for a Liverpool victory on a platter of gold to Mo Salah.
Salah made it a nightmare start for last season’s Championship winners when he drilled home a penalty in the fourth minute after his shot was handled by another Leeds new boy, Germany defender Robin Koch.
Leeds produced a successful reprisal attack as Jack Harrison drilled a low right-foot shot past Alisson only for poor defending to allow Virgil van Dijk to restore Liverpool’s advantage as he headed in Andy Robertson’s corner.
Van Dijk was badly at fault when he gifted Patrick Bamford Leeds’ second before a searing strike from Salah completed the scoring in a chaotic first half.
In a game which also contained four disallowed goals, Leeds were not to be brushed aside and were level again after 66 minutes when a perfect first touch and volley from Mateusz Klich flashed past Alisson.
Man of the match Salah had the final word, however, after that reckless late challenge from Rodrigo.
The presence of manager Bielsa alone will add to the theatre of the Premier League and his vibrant, attacking Leeds United side already promise to decorate the top flight.
Leeds could have feared the worst when Liverpool capped a rampant opening spell by scoring from the spot even before the visitors had secured possession in the opposition half.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Obaseki neglected your area for 4 years – Oshiomhole tells Igbinedion
Leave a Reply