Liverpool won the game 4-3 against gritty Leeds.
The Premier League is off and running after a belter of a game between Liverpool and the newcomers Leeds United. Although the defending Premier League champions ended up as the winners, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have grabbed the headlines for putting up a courageous display.
Here are the five things learnt from the Reds’ narrow win.
Liverpool getting the treatment of their own
The Reds were quite surprised to see Leeds United bouncing back every time they gained the lead. Liverpool, who are known for their intense pressing, tasted the medicine of their own as Leeds put Jurgen Klopp’s side under enormous pressure. It also reflected on the stats as Leeds attained possession percentage of 52, higher than Liverpool. The Whites perhaps gave Liverpool a run for their money, always wanting to disrupt their momentum with high-press.
Kalvin Phillips is a player to watch out for
The highly-rated midfielder is coming straight after his debut with the England national team, which in fact didn’t go well as he had expected. But against Liverpool, he showed that he is a player to watch out for in the upcoming season. Despite being limited by Liverpool’s’ man-marking, Phillips anchored the midfield whenever he had the chances. He always tried and succeeded in exploiting the opponent’s high line with his long-range passing.
Defensive reinforcements are needed for Liverpool.
Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, the centre-back pair of Liverpool were often caught off guard against Leeds, leaving a lot to be desired about their performances. Liverpool haven’t got more options on the bench either other than Joel Matip. Jurgen Klopp should bring in a centre-back although he had stated that he wouldn’t be spending much in the current window.
Mohamed Salah is underrated
Salah’s numbers ever since he joined Liverpool have been overwhelming nonetheless he is a player often overlooked. The game against Leeds was another instance as his hat-trick alone bailed the Reds out. The Egyptian international has already announced himself for the Golden Boot race.
Bielsa announces himself to the Premier League.
The astute tactician, who hasn’t stepped foot in the English top-flight before, has now introduced himself in an emphatic way against Liverpool. Although the Premier League would be a different test unlike the Championship, it doesn’t stop Bielsa from pushing his boundaries. The Argentine would be fuming after yesterday’s result, but praises are pouring for the fight his side put in.
