Leeds United produced a remarkable comeback to draw with Liverpool on Saturday afternoon and Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on the decision to award Leeds a penalty.
After the scoreline had read 0-0 at half-time, Leeds found themselves 2-0 down at home to Liverpool with just five second-half minutes played. Hugo Ekitike scored a quickfire brace and Liverpool were in control.
Daniel Farke brought on Willy Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson and Ao Tanaka and reverted to a 4-3-3 system. It worked, but largely thanks to Ibrahima Konate. The defender jumped in to a tackle on sub Gnonto.
Did Leeds deserve a point? The highlights from draw with Liverpool 🤯
What a week!
Anthony Taylor initially didn’t award Leeds a penalty but after a VAR check, he changed his mind. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up to score, before Anton Stach equalised via a pass from substitute Aaronson.
Then, after Dominik Szoboszlai had put Liverpool 3-2 into the lead, the third of that triple change, Ao Tanaka, equalised. His second goal in two games. Dermot Gallagher discussed Leeds’ penalty.
Dermot Gallagher says Leeds United right to be given a penalty
Former Premier League referee Gallagher was present for his usual segment on Sky Sports on Monday, alongside Jay Bothroyd. Gallagher was asked if he felt Anthony Taylor eventually made the right decision.
Gallagher said: “The first thing somebody said to me was that the ball was out of play, the ball isn’t out of play. He didn’t have to make that tackle, I think he will be lucky to get a corner, it’s running out of play.
“Konate stops on his feet, probably gets a goal kick, at worst a corner. Instead, Willy Gnonto gets a penalty. He’s given himself up as well, if you slide in like that, you have got to get the ball,” he continued.
Gnonto seemed to delay his cross and take the contact when he saw Konate sliding in, using his brain to win Leeds a penalty. Ultimately, Konate made a dismal mistake in diving in and Gnonto took advantage.
Daniel Farke relieved after Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool results 🎂🍺☕
Coffee and cake for the Leeds gaffer!
“To be honest, I’m happy that this weekend is over and I can have some coffee and cake on the sofa. Maybe even a beer, or a pint.”
Jay Bothroyd agrees with Dermot Gallagher on Leeds penalty
Bothroyd spoke before Gallagher and he deemed Konate’s tackle as completely unnecessary, claiming that it kickstarted Leeds’ comeback. Certainly, it gave the Elland Road fans hope of a potential comeback.
Bothroyd said: “It’s so unnecessary [Konate lunging in]. Gnonto’s going nowhere, Konate just has to stay on his feet. Worst-case scenario, if he stays on his feet, Leeds will get a corner. He’s lunged in there.
“For what reason, I don’t know. He’s not touched the ball at all, he’s gone through Gnonto – I really can’t understand it. That was the start of a bad time for Liverpool, that’s the reason they didn’t get a result.”
The draw saw Leeds climb into 16th in the table, thanks to Nottingham Forest’s loss to Everton. West Ham failed to hold on to a win at Brighton, which means Leeds are two points ahead of the bottom three.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
