Keith Hackett reacts to contentious footage from dramatic Leeds draw vs Liverpool
Keith Hackett has had his say on a contentious moment that happened in Leeds United’s remarkable six-goal draw with Liverpool.
Ao Tanaka struck in the 96th minute to earn Leeds a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at a raucous Elland Road on Saturday evening.
Leeds‘ victory helps to further ease the pressure on manager Daniel Farke, who many expected to be out of a job come the end of this week.
The win was not without its controversy, with the Premier League making an announcement after VAR intervened when Ibrahima Konate fouled Wilfried Gnonto inside the penalty box.
There was also a penalty call earlier in the game, which former FIFA official Hackett has now commented on exclusively to MOT Leeds News.
Anthony Taylor correct not to award Liverpool a penalty
Liverpool were favourites to beat Leeds and looked good value to do just that when two goals ahead through Hugo Ekitike’s double.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty, awarded for that challenge on Gnonto, pulled Leeds back into the game before Dominik Szoboszlai’s third for the Reds.
But up popped Tanaka with a famous goal deep into added time at Elland Road, sparking wild scenes.
Given just how much happened in the second period – the game was 0-0 at the break – Lucas Perri’s ‘punch’ on Ekitike during the first half was soon forgotten about.
There was a small appeal for a penalty when Perri grazed Ekitike’s head with his fists when attempting to clear the ball inside the box.
However, Hackett insists referee Anthony Taylor was correct to not point to the spot on that occasion.
“The match officials got this one correct,” Hackett said. “The goalkeeper makes a genuine attempt to play the ball. There’s no foul and therefore no penalty kick – correct decision.”
Hackett also agreed that Taylor was right to award a penalty against Liverpool for the challenge on Gnonto.
Match stats from Leeds’ dramatic 3-3 draw with Liverpool
It is hard to sum up the contest in one word, but ‘crazy’ may just about suffice.
Remarkably, there were 13 combined shots in the first half – eight for Liverpool and five for Leeds – without any finding the target.
That’s the most shots in a first half of a Premier League game without one testing a goalkeeper since April 2024.
| Leeds | Liverpool | |
| 3 | Goals | 3 |
| 12 | Shots | 16 |
| 5 | Shots on target | 7 |
| 1.51 | Expected goals | 1.81 |
| 45.3% | Possession | 54.7% |
But the second half certainly delivered drama aplenty, with Leeds fans no doubt feeling their side were good value for a point.
The Whites registered an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.51 to Liverpool’s 1.81, while they had 12 and 16 shots respectively – five and seven being on target.
Liverpool did have more of the ball (54.7 per cent to 45.3 per cent), but that ultimately mattered little as Leeds dug deep and earned what could be a massive point.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@motleedsnews