Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane got on the score sheet as Liverpool secured their third win of the campaign.
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Liverpool continued their impressive start to the Premier League campaign as they thrashed Leeds United 3-0 at Elland Road on Sunday. It was the Reds’ third win in four Premier League games. However, their victory was overshadowed by the horrific injury to Harvey Elliott. Leeds midfielder Pascal Strujik received red card for the tackle that appeared to have dislocated the 18-year-old’s left ankle. Although by that time, Liverpool were already 2-0 up thanks to Mohamed Salah and Fabinho and then Sadio Mane added a third in stoppage time.
The home side started positively as they tested Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker within five minutes of kick-off. Rafinha laid the ball for Rodrigo but the latter’s shot went straight to the keeper. The Spanish forward should have done better as he had enough space and time.
Few minutes later, at the other end, Salah’s overhead pass found Diogo Jota inside the box. But, the Portuguese striker’s attempt was comfortably saved by Illan Meslier. However, in the 20th minute, Salah opened the scoring with a close range tap-in from right-back Alexander-Arnold’s low cross. It was the 29-year-old’s 100th Premier League goal.
Liverpool continued to put pressure on the home side. Sane couldn’t adjust himself to Jota’s low cross and therefore missed from close range. And their second goal arrived in the 50th minute. Alexander-Arnold’s corner kick fell to Fabinho inside the box and the Brazilian slammed the ball past Meslier. A quick VAR check confirmed the goal.
Few minutes before the hour-mark, the unfortunate incident happened. Substitute Strujik’s sliding tackle from behind left Elliott lying on the ground, clutching his left leg. The medical team quickly arrived and the youngster was stretchered off. Referee Craig Pawson showed a red card to the United man.
Patrick Bamford came close to pulling one back for the 10-men Leeds but Becker did well to deny the Englishman. Bamford again tested the out-of-position Becker from half-way mark, the Brazilian somehow managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.
In the second minute of injury time, Mane smashed the ball past Meslier from inside the box to complete the drubbing. It was a great performance from Liverpool as they attempted 30 shots on goal. Nine of them were on target. Van Dijk’s return from ACL injury has made a massive difference as Liverpool have conceded just once in their opening four games.
Klopp’s side is placed third in the points table with 10 points from 4 games. Their next assignment is Champions League group stage fixture against AC Milan on Thursday.
