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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

What Leeds fans chanted at Liverpool substitute as Virgil van Dijk embarrasses Raphinha

Liverpool kept up the pressure on Manchester City with a comprehensive victory over Leeds United on Wednesday evening.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both scored twice and Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk also netted as the Reds romped to a 6-0 triumph.

The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side are now just three points behind leaders City having been 12 adrift barely a fortnight ago.

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

Raphinha red-faced

Leeds were glad to be put out of their misery when the final whistle sounded immediately after Van Dijk had powered home his header for Liverpool's sixth goal.

And there was one player in particular who was probably more happy than most to shuffle off after being left red-faced by the Reds defender just moments earlier.

As Liverpool played the ball around defence, Van Dijk received possession on the left wing and dropped a shoulder to leave Raphinha on his backside and looking somewhat embarrassed.

That it then led directly to the home side's fifth goal surely only compounded the Brazilian's gloom.

Fabinho laughs it off

Even at 3-0 down, Leeds didn't stop coming forward and caused Liverpool a few problems at the start of the second half.

But the visiting fans were being a bit hopeful with one claim for handball and a penalty when a cross from Jack Harrison quite clearly struck Fabinho on the legs. The Brazilian gave the away end a dismissive look similar to the one when told Burnley created a lot of chances the other week.

Earlier, Junior Firpo, not long after being booked, sailed close to the wind when grappling with Mohamed Salah in an attempt to get near the Egyptian, prompting a quiet word from a team-mate.

The raised eyebrows and look of bemusement with which the Leeds left-back responded smacked very much of "well, what else do you expect me to do?".

Happy Diaz

Luis Diaz provided further compelling evidence of his suitability to Liverpool with another impressive showing.

But this was also an evening when he brought the hugs out.

Before the game had even started, Diaz offered a warm embrace to fellow South American Raphinha.

And on his late substitution to a standing ovation, the Liverpool man then received a trademark Jurgen Klopp hug after a job well done. Nice.

Milner gives them a wave

Leeds fans were quite keen to make new friends during the second half with chants of "Stand up if you hate Man U".

A smattering of Liverpool fans responded before the Kop drowned out the noise with songs supporting their own team.

The away support then implored James Milner to give them a wave as the boyhood Leeds fan warmed up near the Anfield Road stand. Chants of 'you're Leeds and you know you are soon' followed.;

The veteran midfielder eventually obliged before emerging from the bench and helping set up Liverpool's last goal. Not quite what they were after, James.

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