Liverpool's hopes of climbing the Premier League table suffered another blow this evening as they surrendered a commanding position at Elland Road, drawing 3-3 with a resilient Leeds side.
The first half produced little in the way of goalmouth action, with both teams heading into the break level.
Everything changed within moments of the restart when Hugo Ekitike netted twice in rapid succession, finding the target in the 48th and 50th minutes to seemingly put the visitors in control.
The 50th-minute goal got the green light after a lengthy VAR check for offside.
Ekitike’s double looked to have ended this meeting as a contest, but Liverpool have repeatedly shown an inability to control games in recent months.
Daniel Farke responded by introducing three substitutes, a tactical shift that transformed his side's fortunes and sparked a remarkable fightback from the hosts.
The hosts pulled one back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, awarded after Ibrahima Konate clumsily brought down Willy Gnonto inside the area.
Just two minutes later, Anton Stach fired home to draw Leeds level at 2-2, completing a swift turnaround that stunned the travelling supporters.
Liverpool's hopes of climbing the Premier League table suffered another blow this evening
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Liverpool appeared to have weathered the storm when Dominik Szoboszlai latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Ryan Gravenberch in the 80th minute, racing clear before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Lucas Perri to make it 3-2.
The Hungarian's composed finish looked to have secured all three points for Arne Slot's men.
Deep into stoppage time, however, Leeds snatched a dramatic equaliser to deny Liverpool victory once more.
Ao Tanaka, who had scored a spectacular goal against Chelsea in midweek, proved the hero again for the home faithful, bundling the ball home from close range after the visitors failed to clear a corner in the 96th minute.
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Deep into stoppage time, however, Leeds snatched a dramatic equaliser to deny Liverpool victory once more
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The Japanese midfielder's strike sent Elland Road into raptures and compounded the difficulties facing Slot's struggling side.
Alexander Isak went close to an even later winner, but Farke’s men were not to be denied a point.
Elland Road was rocking at the final whistle
Hugo Ekitike netted twice in rapid succession
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This latest setback leaves Liverpool languishing in eighth position on 23 points.
Arne Slot’s Reds had fallen to six defeats in seven top-flight matches before last weekend’s win at West Ham and an unconvincing Anfield draw with surprise package Sunderland.
Leeds' hard-earned draw moves them three points clear of the relegation places.
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