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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Alisson Becker fumes as Leeds fans send message to Liverpool midfielder

Liverpool managed to avoid a sixth game without a victory when they thumped Leeds United on Monday evening.

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota both scored twice while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez also netted as the Reds romped to a record-breaking 6-1 triumph. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side still have a faint hope of Champions League qualification, although a European berth appears more likely.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Elland Road.

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Alisson agitated

Liverpool were dominant from almost first minute to last on Monday. But Leeds weren't without their moments, not least in the second half when they briefly threatened a comeback after Luis Sinisterra pulled a goal back.

They didn't come any closer, though, than when an unmarked Brenden Aaronson struck the outside of the post with a curling effort from range with the score having been stretched to 3-1.

Alisson Becker, having watched the play unfold, instantly raced from his line and launched an angry barrage at his team-mates for not tracking players properly and allowing the home side an opportunity. You tell 'em, Ali.

Trent wakes up

Mind you, he wasn't the only Liverpool player to send a rather pointed message to one of his team-mates on the evening.

During the first half, with the Reds passing the ball around defence, both Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold momentarily appeared to leave a straightforward Virgil van Dijk pass to each other which briefly threatened to allow Leeds to race clear before possession was hurriedly retained.

Van Dijk took one look at Alexander-Arnold and kindly reminded him to remain switched on. His subsequent man-of-the-match performance suggests the England man took note.

Milner saluted

There were reunions aplenty at Elland Road. Thiago Alcantara and Leeds reserve goalkeeper Joel Robles, who featured together in the Spain youth set-up, enjoyed a huge embrace before kick-off.

And there was a chant of "You're Leeds and you know you are" from the home fans aimed at local boy James Milner as he warmed up, the Liverpool midfielder then given a warm reception from the Elland Road crowd on his late introduction from the bench.

It's exactly like the treatment Milner receives when he returns to Manchester City. Only completely different.

Marc of dedication

Leeds fans weren't too impressed with the officiating, even if it took until the 47th minute for Liverpool to be awarded a free-kick by referee Craig Pawson.

But there was much merriment all round when, during the second half, assistant referee Marc Perry got himself in a right tangle as he eagerly awaited flagging Mohamed Salah offside.

Having been forced to pause due to FIFA directives imploring play must continue, Perry took a tumble on the touchline but still managed to raise his flag from an almost squatting position. What a professional.

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