Liverpool won for the first time in five English Premier League games on Monday, defeating Leeds 6-1.
Liverpool hadn’t won in over six weeks, when they defeated Manchester United 7-0.
Liverpool tore apart Leeds in the second half after Cody Gakpo’s opening and Mohamed Salah’s quickfire added for a 2-0 halftime advantage. Salah and Diogo Jota each scored twice, and Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score late.
Two minutes after the break, Ibrahima Konate was caught in possession by Luis Sinisterra, who hoisted his shot over custodian Alisson to make it 2-1.
However, the Leeds defence crumbled in predictable way, suffering successive huge home defeats eight days after losing 5-1 to Crystal Palace. Leeds has surrendered more league goals than any other team.
Liverpool stayed in eighth place, two points behind Brighton. Leeds’ survival ambitions were dealt another major setback when they remained 16th, two points above the drop zone.
Klopp’s season-best performance:
Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s “best performance of the season.”
“The 92nd minute was the time in the game that I enjoyed the most,” the Reds manager stated. “It’s already 6-1, and we drop the ball as four players are chasing.”
“From a counter-pressing standpoint, that was undoubtedly the best game we’ve played this season, and perhaps in possession as well.”
“We remained calm in crucial times to pass wonderful balls.” Mo’s second goal was fantastic. Curtis (Jones) passes to Robbo (Andrew Robertson), who passes to Cody (Gakpo), who passes to Mo. That was fantastic. There were many enjoyable moments.”
Liverpool took the lead in dubious circumstances in the 34th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to control the ball with his arm while dispossessing Junior Firpo. But, referee Craig Pawson allowed play to continue and no VAR intervention was made as Alexander-Arnold collected a return ball from Salah before crossing low for Gakpo to score.
The second goal by the visitors was uncontroversial. Jota robbed midfielder Weston McKennie and played in Salah, who hammered a left-footed shot into the top corner from the left edge of the penalty area.
At halftime, the visitors had scored twice in four minutes from their first two chances to take complete control.
Leeds then clawed its way back two minutes later. Sinisterra intercepted Ibrahima Konate in possession, and the Colombian displayed strength and poise to dink a lovely finish over Alisson.
Five minutes later, though, Liverpool recovered their two-goal lead. Jota took advantage of Jones’ defense-splitting pass and curled a first-time shot past Illan Meslier.
Leeds hit the post with Brendon Aaronson’s long-range shot, then Salah had an effort ruled out for offside after a VAR investigation, before Liverpool put the game out of reach in the 64th minute.
Gakpo assisted Robertson’s cross, which Salah scored at the far post for his 15th league goal.
Liverpool extended its lead with a fifth goal in the 73rd minute, courtesy of Jota’s scuffed effort from Jordan Henderson’s cross.
The thrashing was capped in the final minute when VAR deemed replacement Nunez’s brilliant finish from Alexander-ball Arnold’s onside.