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Liverpool, the Premier League champions welcomed Leeds United, the Championship winners, to Anfield in a mouth-watering opening-day fixture of the 2020-21 season. This matchup was tipped to offer neutrals a fascinating tactical duel between two managers with remarkably similar philosophies, and the game didn't disappoint in that regard.
The game started with a high tempo, with both teams looking to impose their style on the other. The opening goal of the game came in rather contentious fashion, though. When a Mohamed Salah effort bounced off Robin Koch’s arm, the referee awarded a penalty that was nonchalantly converted by the Egyptian. Against all odds, though, Leeds equalised eight minutes later through a fantastic solo effort from Jack Harrison.
The Reds retook the lead through a Virgil van Dijk header from a corner. Marco Bielsa’s men then deservedly equalised again when Van Dijk gifted the ball to Patrick Bamford in the box.
The fifth goal of the game came in the 33rd minute as Salah claimed his second of the game with a rocket into the top corner. Late in the second half, Leeds equalised for the third time when Mateusz Klich stabbed home from close range. However, Liverpool eventually sealed the deal in the 88th minute with a second Salah penalty.
On that note, here are five talking points from Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Leeds.
Five talking points from Liverpool's 4-3 win over Leeds United:
#5 Virgil van Dijk had a sub-par game
Is it me or has Virgil van Dijk been a different player since encountering Ismaila Sarr? Maybe it’s just me, but the Dutchman has notably committed two errors in his last four games, errors that directly contributed to goals for the opposition. Against a rampant Leeds side, the 29-year-old seemingly couldn’t handle their high press as his loose touch gifted the Yorkshire side their second of the game.
Apart from that, the defender was caught out on several other occasions as Liverpool tried to hold a high defensive line against a team that thrives on such a tactic. In another below-par display, Van Dijk had 43 touches of the ball, lost possession nine times, made zero tackles and made one error.
#4 Kalvin Philips made a sparkling Premier League debut
After having made his debut for England, a lot of eyes were on Premier League debutant Kalvin Phillips. The 24-year-old’s impressive passing range and tenacious tackling has made him one of England’s most exciting prospects. In fact, for years, England craved a player who could sit at the base of midfield and dictate play. They seem to have found one in Kalvin Phillips.
Against Liverpool, Bielsa’s star pupil had 74 touches of the ball, completed 42 passes, created two chances, won four duels and provided an assist. His presence in the team is instrumental in how Leeds play as he has the ability to beat the opposing team’s press by passing in between the lines.
#3 A night to forget for Roberto Firmino
Often labelled as the weak link in Liverpool’s front-three, Roberto Firmino, didn’t do much against Leeds United to put that perception to bed.
The Brazilian looked off the pace and was unable to cause Leeds too many problems in the final-third. His passes weren’t connecting, his movement was stale and when he did get the opportunity to score, he fluffed his lines. He’s quite fortunate that his other teammates were a lot sharper than he was.
Last season, the 28-year-old could only score nine league goals despite playing every single game of the campaign. Against Leeds, Firmino misplaced six shots, had two shots blocked and lost possession 12 times.
#2 Leeds impressed with their style of football
It’s no secret that Marcelo Bielsa is one of the most respected coaches in the world. The 66-year-old has immensely influenced the careers of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino. His attention to detail and insistence on working on the finest margins is what sets him apart. His imprint could be seen all over Leeds’ performance against the Premier League champions as the Whites gave Liverpool a taste of their own medicine.
Off the ball, Bielsa’s men matched Liverpool with a man-for-man press that suffocated the Reds and deprived them time and space on the ball. In possession, Leeds were bold and brave, like they’ve always been, committing several men in attack. The visitors may have ultimately lost the game, but in recent seasons, not many teams have scored three goals at Anfield and enjoyed 52% of possession.
#1 Mohamed Salah becomes the first Liverpool player to score a Premier League opening-day hat-trick
It looks as though Mohamed Salah has his heart set on winning this season’s Golden Boot. The Egyptian’s electric performance gave the Leeds United defence problems all game. His final-third movement, link-up play and eagerness to shoot made him Liverpool’s most dangerous player against Leeds United.
The 28-year-old scored his third Premier League hat-trick, which happened to be the first opening-day hat-trick by a Liverpool pla in the Premier League era. Two penalties and a rocket in the top corner capped off a match-winning performance from the winger. During the game, Salah completed seven dribbles, won nine ground duels, created four chances and scored three goals.
