Liverpool’s season hit a new low on Saturday night as struggling Leeds United secured a last-minute win at Anfield to inflict a first home league defeat on the Reds in front of fans since April 2017.
Jurgen Klopp ’s side gifted the Peacocks the opener early on as an untimely Alisson Becker slip left Rodrigo with simplest of tap-ins from Joe Gomez’s misplaced backpass. And although Mohamed Salah would soon level the scores, it was another poor showing from Liverpool before Crysencio Summerville’s late effort consigned them to a miserable defeat.
But you already know all that and, truth be told, are trying your hardest to forget it. Away from the uninspiring main match action, here’s some of the moments that went under the radar.
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Frustrated Fabinho fumes
Fabinho ’s poor form this season continued against Leeds and he cut a very frustrated figure in the middle of the park as a result. On two occasions, such emotions got the better of him.
After Harvey Elliott lost possession inside his own half, the audible discontent from the Anfield crowd was particularly noticeable before the Brazilian halted the subsequent Leeds attack. Unimpressed by such a reaction however, he turned to fans and gestured for a different response, demanding support for the teenager rather than grumbles.
Alas, they didn’t get the message with the likes of Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones treated to similar treatment throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Fabinho was also involved in a heated clash with Jurgen Klopp inside the first half as the German made his own feelings clear about Liverpool’s disappointing performance.
With Leeds getting through the Reds’ midfield with far too much ease, Fabinho was the subject of Klopp’s frustrations following one animated outburst in the 38th minute. While such scenes from the Liverpool boss aren’t uncommon during matches, the midfielder’s reaction perhaps was.
Rather than take his medicine, Fabinho was clearly unimpressed at being the focus of his manager’s attention. Rather than offer a thumbs up or hand to acknowledge Klopp’s point, the exasperated midfield instead just shook his head. This only prompted Klopp to erupt further, with another exchange, though not as heated, happening moments later.
Fabinho would again be shaking his head on the hour-mark when replaced by Jordan Henderson, though he did at least exchange a slap of the hand with Klopp as he made his way to the dugout.
Touchline antics
It was a rather ill-tempered affair at Anfield on Saturday night, with Andy Robertson’s altercation with Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, which prompted Jurgen Klopp to help pull the Scot away, the most high-profile altercation. But they weren’t the only noticeable antics on the sidelines.
With Jesse Marsch particularly animated throughout, Andy Robertson was rather amused at one outburst from the Leeds boss. Meanwhile, the American would give Trent Alexander-Arnold a shove as both sides appealed for a throw-in.
Marsch would also exchange words with fourth official Craig Pawson after encroaching the pitch to retrieve his pad which he’d dropped when applauding a foul.
Meanwhile, there would also be confusion in the Leeds camp when Patrick Bamford replaced Rodrigo early in the second half. Rather than show the striker's number nine on the board to signal the change, the number eight was mistakenly shown alongside the Spaniard's number 19.
Visibly confused, Leeds' number eight Marc Roca would jog over to Marsch for clarification before returning to action.
Illan Meslier booed
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier was their star man at Anfield, with his nine saves the most any goalkeeper has made in any Premier League match this season. Yet he earned the wrath of the Kop long before he was repeatedly denying Liverpool in the second half.
Reds fans are well-known for applauding visiting goalkeepers as they take their place in front of the famous stand. Yet the Frenchman just ignored their reception, prompting boos to erupt.
While this is their customary response to such a scenario, they were certainly left cursing the goalkeeper with more vigour come the final whistle.
Deja vu for Darwin
Darwin Nunez would have four shots on goal during Liverpool’s loss to Leeds and should have been walking away with at least one goal to his name if we’re being honest.
The Uruguayan wasted one shooting opportunity in the first half when running onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s lofted through-ball, looking to cut back and round Illan Meslier rather than lob the ball into the unguarded net, gifting the keeper an easy chance to prevent any shot.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman would deny the forward again in the second half, producing his best save of the night as he tipped over a curling long-range effort from Nunez. But the striker’s best chance came when he shot straight at the goalkeeper when one-on-one after being played in by Mohamed Salah.
Roberto Firmino’s reaction when Nunez hit the post with the goal gaping against Ajax in midweek went viral, with the Brazilian shocked that he hadn’t hit the back of the net after unselfishly opting to pass rather than shoot himself. Salah offered a similar response against Leeds as he looked around in disbelief and held his arms aloft, as if to ask, ‘What more could he have done?’
Salah will no doubt have been more frustrated not to have taken the shot himself following Summerville’s late winner, though did spend the rest of the second half attempting unwise shots, such as one horribly overhit chipped effort in the Kop, rather than leave such fates in the hand of his equally misfiring team-mate.
This means more
As the two Scousers in the team, Liverpool’s lack of form will be hurting Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones that little bit more at present. The criticism they face from supporters will certainly sting that little bit more too.
With Anfield already emptying prior to the final whistle courtesy of Summerville’s late winner, there ultimately weren’t that many Reds supporters left inside the ground to support the players at the final whistle. Admittedly though, the ones that remained did burst into a rendition of, ‘We love you Liverpool, we do’ despite the loss.
Jones and Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t have been around to hear it though. Rather than stay around to applaud the fans, both stormed off down the tunnel moments after the final whistle went, no doubt angered by Liverpool’s latest lowpoint and their own contributions to it.
Running late, Carra?
With Jamie Carragher on co-commentary duties at Anfield, he inevitably had plenty to say about Liverpool’s miserable performance on Sky Sports during the game. But was he running late for duty?
The Reds legend was spotted sprinting across Stanley Park before the game, though admittedly a couple of hours before kick-off so no chance of him missing the action. Despite being in a rush, he still stopped to pose for a few selfies with grateful fans before quickly hurrying off again. He hasn’t moved that quickly since his playing days!
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