Keith Hackett has weighed in on a controversial moment that occurred during Leeds United’s thrilling six-goal draw against Liverpool.
In a sensational match at Elland Road on Saturday evening, Ao Tanaka’s 96th-minute strike secured a dramatic 3-3 draw for Leeds against Liverpool in front of an electrifying crowd.
The draw not only provided Leeds with a valuable point but also helped alleviate some pressure on manager Daniel Farke, whose future was subject to speculation heading into the game.
The game was not without its contentious incidents, as the Premier League had to make a statement following VAR intervention after Ibrahima Konate fouled Wilfried Gnonto inside the penalty box, leading to a penalty for Leeds.
Former FIFA official Hackett has exclusively shared his thoughts on a separate penalty incident earlier in the game with MOT Leeds News.
Liverpool had initially seemed poised to secure victory with Hugo Ekitike’s brace putting them two goals ahead. However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty, awarded for the challenge on Gnonto, and Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal rapidly changed the course of the game.
Tanaka’s late equalizer culminated in jubilant scenes at Elland Road, overshadowing earlier incidents including the overlooked incident involving Lucas Perri’s clash with Ekitike inside the box which raised questions of a potential penalty.
Despite a slight appeal for a penalty in that instance, Hackett affirmed that referee Anthony Taylor made the correct decision by not awarding a spot-kick, acknowledging Perri’s genuine attempt to play the ball without committing a foul.
Hackett also supported Taylor’s call to award a penalty to Leeds for the challenge on Gnonto, asserting the fairness and accuracy of the decision.
The match between Leeds and Liverpool was characterized by frenetic energy and excitement, with a total of 13 shots unleashed in the first half alone, setting a rare Premier League record for shots attempted in a half without testing the goalkeeper.
The second half escalated the intensity of the competition, with Leeds fans undoubtedly pleased with their team’s performance and justifying the eventual draw with an xG of 1.51 against Liverpool’s 1.81. Leeds showcased 12 shots with five on target compared to Liverpool’s 16 shots with seven on target, illustrating a hard-fought match where Leeds emerged with a well-deserved point despite Liverpool’s possession advantage.
