In a thrilling finish, Leeds United’s super sub Ao Tanaka netted a stoppage-time goal to earn a 3-3 draw against the stumbling Premier League champions Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side had suffered six defeats in their last seven league matches before last weekend’s win over West Ham, followed by a shaky draw at home against newcomers Sunderland.
Desperate for a win at Elland Road on Saturday evening, Liverpool seemed on track for an easy victory after Hugo Ekitike scored two quick goals early in the second half.
However, Leeds, energized by their recent home victory against Chelsea, rallied impressively. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a penalty, and Anton Stach ignited celebrations shortly afterward.
Ten minutes from the end, Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have secured the victory for Liverpool, but Leeds fought back, electrifying the crowd in stoppage time.
Liverpool’s weaknesses on set pieces were again exposed, allowing Tanaka to convert from a corner and add to his earlier goal against Chelsea, securing a hard-fought point for Leeds.
Elland Road erupted at the final whistle, reminiscent of their spirited start when Noah Okafor narrowly missed scoring and Gabriel Gudmundsson had another shot blocked.
Though Leeds remained disciplined, Liverpool gained momentum, with Curtis Jones hitting the crossbar from the edge of the box.
Ekitike’s shot was blocked, and Szoboszlai missed a free-kick as Liverpool began to dominate, with Virgil van Dijk missing a golden header opportunity.
Cody Gakpo’s effort was deflected as the first half came to a close, leading into a chaotic second half.
A careless pass from Joe Rodon to skipper Ethan Ampadu was intercepted by Ekitike, who remained composed to score in the 48th minute.
After a lengthy VAR check confirmed the legitimacy of Ekitike’s second goal, Liverpool seemed to be in control, yet their inability to manage matches recently was apparent.
Following a remarkable save by Perri to deny Gakpo, a foul by Ibrahima Konate on Willy Gnonto resulted in a penalty awarded by VAR, which Calvert-Lewin converted in the 73rd minute, followed swiftly by Stach’s equalizer.
Substitute Brenden Aaronson set up Stach, who skillfully cut inside and coolly finished to level the match.
Perri made another crucial save from Van Dijk’s header, but Leeds’ resurgence reignited after their goals.
With Liverpool struggling to maintain their composure in the chaotic atmosphere, Alexis Mac Allister cleverly let a pass through to Szoboszlai, who scored, giving Liverpool a temporary reprieve.
However, a corner in the dying moments proved decisive, with Tanaka seizing the opportunity at the far post to score, sparking joy among the Leeds fans.
Alexander Isak nearly claimed a late winner, but Farke’s team held on for a well-earned point.