Jurgen Klopp felt that his Liverpool side produced their best performance of the season as they ruthlessly took apart struggling Leeds United, scoring six goals from seven shots on target with Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both netting twice. Despite the resounding win, Liverpool still sit in eighth place in the table, but are in the hunt for European football next season as seventh place is likely to qualify for some involvement. There was controversy about the opener, with Trent Alexander-Arnold using an arm to block a pass from Junior Firpo – although not illegally according to the on-field and VAR officials – before setting up Cody Gakpo’s opener. Salah struck the second soon after and while Luis Sinisterra’s goal briefly gave Leeds hope early in the second half, the Reds responded through Jota, Salah and substitute Darwin Nunez. Klopp believes that the display at Elland Road is their best this season, and praised his team for their counter-pressing and their desire to chase down the ball even in the 92nd minute.
The win at Leeds was Liverpool’s first victory since the mauling of Manchester United in early March and showed they retain a rare ruthlessness even in this disappointing season. Klopp also noted that stability is needed to play good football, but that when a team is in a negative flow, wrong decisions are made. He added that he has no clue if they can get close to a top four finish this season, but that he would like to see them with the same desire, passion and understanding they showed against Leeds.
The result was another damaging game for Leeds and their hopes of staying in the Premier League. They have shown this season they are capable of scoring more goals than many of their relegation rivals, but have been undone throughout the campaign by a porous defence. Leeds boss Javi Gracia admitted that they lost composure during the game and need to improve for their next game. He added that there is only one way to do this – to work hard and improve – as they face a trio of games that will likely make or break their season, with away trips to Fulham and Bournemouth either side of a home game against Leicester City.