Leeds played out an exhilarating affair against Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Leeds had just 35% possession heading into the break, while failing to get any shots on target despite taking five attempts. Liverpool – despite dominating most of the opening stages – also failed to muster up a shot on target despite eight efforts.
However, the second half exploded into life as Leeds came from 2-0 down and 3-2 down to secure a precious point.
Daniel Farke had to readjust in midfield and up top as Lukas Nmecha missed out with a hamstring strain – while Ao Tanaka was rested after starting against Manchester City and Chelsea. They were replaced by Noah Okafor and Ilia Gruev respectively.
Who was YOUR Leeds United Man of the Match against Liverpool?
Leeds United News have now assessed how the pair performed after coming back into the starting XI along with every other player.
Anton Stach stands out as Leeds United fight back to secure 3-3 draw
Lucas Perri: 3
Had nothing to do in the first half as Liverpool failed to register a shot on target. Was caught out twice in five minutes at the start of the second half, and definitely ought to have done better for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal as he flapped at the ball. Made a fine fingertip save to deny Virgil van Dijk.
Jayden Bogle: 4 (Taken off for Sebastiaan Bornauw in 93rd minute)
A solid but unspectacular display from Jayden Bogle. Did well to contain Cody Gakpo in the opening 45 minutes as the Dutchman regularly drove forward and threatened.
Joe Rodon: 2
A nightmarish evening for Joe Rodon. A terrible pass set up Ekitike to open the scoring less than three minutes after the restart – an incident which momentarily looked set to ruin the night for Leeds.
Jaka Bijol: 4 (Taken off for Brenden Aaronson in 65th minute)
A decent display from Jaka Bijol. Held firm amid a Liverpool onslaught in the first half with some important clearances. Was, however, nowhere to be seen in the box as Ekitike made it 2-0.
Pascal Struijk: 3
Struggled to handle the pace of Ekitike, but like Bijol, still contributed some important defensive actions.
Gabriel Gudmundsson: 6
After being named Premier League Player of the Matchweek for his display against Chelsea, Gudmundsson started the game well, but faded as Liverpool pushed him back. Still tried to make things happen in possession and support attacks with his excellent crossing, although he was caught out for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal.
Ethan Ampadu: 6 (Taken off for Joel Piroe in 87th minute)
Arguably Farke’s best performer in the first half. Was sold short by Rodon for the opener and could do little to recover. Kept possession ticking over tidily for Leeds in the second half to mount the fightback.
Ilia Gruev: 4 (Taken off for Ao Tanaka in 65th minute)
Looked fairly rusty on just his fourth Premier League start of the season. Struggled to get into the game.
Anton Stach: 8
Started the game in fine fashion, using his physicality to win possession and drive forward. Faded as Liverpool took control of proceedings but came back to life midway through the second half. Took his goal superbly well, smashing a driven effort past Alisson.
Noah Okafor: 4 (Taken off for Willy Gnonto in 65th minute)
Replacing the injured Nmecha up top, Okafor went close with a low shot in the early stages, but played like a man who has had little practice as a striker of late as the game went on.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 7
Worked hard throughout and gave Van Dijk plenty to think about, both in ground duels and aerial duels. Dispatched his penalty beyond Alisson superbly.
How Daniel Farke’s substitutions fared in Leeds United vs Liverpool
Willy Gnonto: 6
Did well to combine with Gudmundsson after coming on and made Leeds very dangerous down the left flank. Also won the penalty for Calvert-Lewin after luring Ibrahima Konate in.
FULL TIME: Leeds United 3-3 Liverpool
AO TANAKA! What a player, what a result! 🔥🔥🔥
Brenden Aaronson: 6
Brenden Aaronson had been criticised on many an occasion of late, but deserves credit for making an impact after coming on in the 65th minute. Registered the assist for Stach to equalise with a lovely pass inside the box, after a drop of the shoulder.
Ao Tanaka: 7
Fans were gutted Tanaka started on the bench after such a fine display against Chelsea, but Farke opted to rest the Japan international. Did well to help Leeds get a foothold in the game and score twice within ten minutes of him coming on, and ultimately became the hero when he snatched a point with a smart finish in the 96th minute.
Joel Piroe: N/A
Played the final 12 minutes but hardly touched the ball.
Sebastiaan Bornauw: N/A
Came on in the 93rd minute but, like Piroe, hardly got a touch.
Sam Byram: N/A
James Justin: N/A
Jack Harrison: N/A
Karl Darlow: N/A
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