Leeds United media room shockwaves, Gnonto turnaround and off-camera Liverpool moments — YEP 7/12/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
incredible 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Elland Road.
Leeds United fought back twice to earn a vital point against
Liverpool as Daniel Farke proved he can change Premier League games. The Whites
looked dead and buried at 2-0 down yet they ended the night all square and
celebrating after the most entertaining and dramatic second halves at Elland
Road. Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Daniel Farke
A week that was largely expected to yield no points from
three of the toughest games has resulted in four points. A team that was
finding it so hard to score goals fired in eight against a trio of elite
outfits. The win over Chelsea was truly impressive, the fightback against
Liverpool arguably even more so. And it was the manager's substitutions that
changed it.
Willy Gnonto
The winger has had the most frustrating season so far but
his impact off the bench was integral in the comeback. A switch in formation
this week suggested his gametime could take even more of a hit but things
worked out pretty well for him in the end. Things can change so quickly in
football and this was a big turnaround for the little Italian.
Brenden Aaronson
A much-maligned attacker this season, Aaronson's composure
on the ball created the chance for Anton Stach. His energy was hugely
influential on both sides of the ball. He was tidy and played smart passes. The
assist was vital and welcome.
Ao Tanaka
For the second time in a week Tanaka hit the back of the net
to send Elland Road into raptures. He has criticised himself for not quite
hitting the required standards in the Premier League but this week has felt a
bit like an arrival.
Bad day
Arne Slot
Who could have predicted a week or two ago that Slot would
be the manager most under pressure after this fixture. Liverpool had it in the
bag and let it be taken from them - twice. His introduction of Joe Gomez seemed
to play into Leeds' hands, too.
Mo Salah
Being forced to watch from the bench must be bad enough, but
staying there with his side giving up a 2-0 lead and then a 3-2 lead must have
been galling. He got off the bus with a face like a smacked backside and his
mood can only have worsened throughout the evening. So perhaps his outburst to
the media was not wholly unexpected or out of the blue. It certainly sent
shockwaves through the media room.
Off-camera moments
Slot breaking the usual managerial routine and emerging from
the tunnel and watching his side's warm-up from the Leeds technical area,
before running onto the pitch to control a stray ball.
Gnonto nutmegging his close pal Tanaka in the warm-up with a
flip flap.
Jayden Bogle having a laugh with Virgil van Dijk during a
long stoppage in play early in the first half. The Liverpool captain had
wandered over to where Farke was giving his players tactical instructions, to
stand within earshot.
Farke reacting angrily as Stach took a free-kick quickly and
short in the Liverpool half instead of setting up to put it in the box.
The next time Leeds got a free-kick in the Liverpool half,
Jaka Bijol was quick to signal to him it had to go forward.
Brenden Aaronson scrapping to win a free-kick in his own
half, earning applause from his manager.
Farke having an immediate debrief with Tanaka at full-time,
before the Japan international was grabbed by broadcasters for an interview.
