Liverpool analysis -Unbeaten midfield partnership unleashed but transfer question can't be avoided
| Published date | 13 September 2021 |
| Publication title | Liverpool Echo: Web Edition Articles (England) |
There, alongside Fabinho in the midfield, was Thiago Alcantara, the Spaniard making his first start of the season.
On the nine previous occasions the duo had started alongside each other in the engine room, only Sadio Mane’s controversially disallowed goal at Goodison last season prevented a 100% record.
And both ensured their unbeaten record together moved into double figures with impressive displays.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Fabinho superb and two other impress vs Leeds
Fabinho notched only his fourth goal for Liverpool when prodding home at the second attempt five minutes into the second half after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner was headed down by Virgil van Dijk.
And the game was made completely safe in injury time when Thiago shimmied inside the area and rolled the ball across for Sadio Mane to thrash home.
Remarkably, it was the Spaniard’s first direct assist as a Liverpool player.
Fabinho’s display was all the more commendable given he had to negotiate much of the game while on a yellow card following a 16th-minute booking.
But the Brazilian’s discipline and positional nous allowed the Reds to dominate the midfield battle in which Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips was comprehensively subdued.
And Jordan Henderson’s lively cameo was another positive, albeit coming in circumstances nobody would have wanted.
Time to enjoy Salah
Maybe the Leeds United fans knew what was coming.
From the first whistle, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the target for jeers whenever the ball landed at his feet.
If it was an attempt to unsettle the Egyptian, then the Elland Road faithful were mistaken.
Sorely, sorely mistaken.
This was a landmark afternoon for Salah in more ways than one.
Yes, there was the notable achievement of becoming only the 30th player to score 100 Premier League goals when knocking in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross from the right on 20 minutes.
But his outstanding overall performance, in the first half in particular, showcased a player at the very top of his game.
Certainly, Leeds left-back Junior Firpo will have sleepless nights having been given the runaround by the Egyptian.
Salah wasn’t exactly given much protection from the officials who, at least early on, weren’t inclined to punish many misdemeanours...
To continue reading
Request your trial