Leeds fell to a disappointing defeat as the physical impact of playing four times in a week were shown in 5-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.

 

Leeds started the game well, dominating possession and keeping the ball well in the opening 20 minutes. A few shots from the edge of the area flashed just wide of the Liverpool goal or were closed down too soon, and so despite all their possession Leeds failed to create any real clear chances.

 

Liverpool took the lead with a controversial goal 10 minutes from half time. Good link up play down the Leeds left saw Liverpool get behind the defence, resulting in an effort at goal that was well saved. The ball appeared to go behind for a corner but the referee allowed play to continue and a scramble resulted in an easy tap in at the back post for Liverpool.

 

Leeds responded to the set back well, upping the tempo and pushing Liverpool back but soon found themselves 2-0 down just before half-time. As Leeds pushed up they lost possession and were punished by a good finish from the left hand side after a swift counter attack.

 

As the second half began Leeds again took control of possession as Liverpool sat back but frustratingly still failed to create a clear opportunity to score. However Leeds were punished with a goal very similar to the first. A Liverpool cross came in and two shots were excellently blocked by the Leeds defense only for the ball to fall to a Liverpool player to finish easily from six yards out.

 

Leeds continued to push but their clearest chance only came about due to confusion between the Liverpool keeper and center back which resulted in a Leeds effort getting deflected narrowly wide of an open net. Liverpool added a fourth from an incredibly quick counter attack down the Leeds right that resulted in an easy finish from a square cross.

 

From then on Liverpool sat back and were happy to play the ball around the back against a clearly tired Leeds side, before adding a fifth goal just before the final whistle. Leeds were ultimately made to pay for their inability to create any clear shots at goal but the final score did flatter Liverpool, who were efficient on the counter throughout the game.

 

Author: Daniel Baines