Mohamed Salah netted a hat-trick as Liverpool began their Premier League title title defence with a hugely entertaining 4-3 win over newly promoted stubborn Leeds United at Anfield on Saturday.
Leeds, making their return to the top league in England after a 16-year absence, fought back from behind three times and played intense, attacking football, one which they were once known for and one that their Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa established during their promotion campaign last season.
A season beginning with fans still not allowed in the stands due to COVID-19 restrictions needed a start to spark some excitement among disappointed fans and this all out war of an encounter certainly delivered.
Liverpool vs Leeds Match Report
Salah blasted home penalty kick only 2 minutes into the game and Leeds looked as though they may be in for a very long day.
But eight minutes later Jack Harrison, on loan from Manchester City, brought Leeds level with a fine solo goal, picking the ball up on the left-flank and cutting inside, skipping past Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, before drilling into the bottom corner.
Liverpool restored their lead in the 20th minute and this time Leeds had only themselves to blame, leaving the obvious threat of Virgil van Dijk unchallenged with the towering Dutchman heading home an Andy Robertson corner.
Leeds showcased their stubbornness again with Patrick Bamford slotting home after Van Dijk carelessly failed to deal with a ball over the top, his casual attempt to control the ball finding the Leeds striker with keeper Alisson out of position.
Salah boosted Liverpool back in front, 12 minutes before the break, when he pounced on an attempted header clear from Pascal Struijk with a first-time shot which gave Illan Meslier no chance.
But there was to be a third comebac Helder Costa's low ball into the box found Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich whose deft touch earned him space for a low drive past Alisson to make it 3-3.
But, with just two minutes remaining, Liverpool secured the points with another Salah penalty after Rodrigo Moreno clumsily brought down Fabinho. The Egyptian then celebrated the goal by honoring his friend and fellow country man Ahly player Moemen Zakarya, who is currently battling a nervous system illness.
It was cruel on Leeds but the Yorkshire club will take huge encouragement from their display while Liverpool, now unbeaten in 60 league games at Anfield, are up and running again.
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