Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Gary Neville slams Leeds United player after what he saw up close at Elland Road

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Leeds made a stunning late comeback to draw 3-3 with Liverpool on Saturday, despite Joe Rodon’s tragic defensive display.

Daniel Farke’s side thought they had done enough to win a point at Elland Road when they came back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s lead with 10 minutes to go with a defeat looking likely for the hosts.

Yet, Leeds did not give up and a late volley from Ao Tanaka found the back of the net to ensure the points were shared.

Ao Tanaka playing for Leeds
Ao Tanaka was Leeds' hero against Liverpool Credit: Imago

Gary Neville blasts Joe Rodon for Liverpool opener 

Leeds certainly made the Liverpool match difficult for themselves.

After a solid first-half showing, the Peacocks collapsed, as Hugo Ekitike gave the visitors the lead out of nowhere.

The chance stemmed from a poor Rodon pass, which the French striker quickly intercepted before guiding the ball into the net.

Watching the game from Elland Road, Neville was appalled by the pass by the defender, which allowed Liverpool to open the scoreline.

He told Sky Sports on 6 December: "Rodon, it's such a sloppy pass. Ampadu isn't in the right area, but then Ekitike pounces and is lightning fast. 

“It's such a basic error. It's not great for Leeds United."

Neville quick to praise Daniel Farke tactical change 

The point is no doubt another big moment for both Leeds and Farke this season.

Farke was under heavy pressure at Elland Road going into this week, but taking four points from both Chelsea and Liverpool will likely earn the German a lot more time.

Leeds have now moved up to 16th in the table and are three points clear of the relegation zone.

Speaking after the match, Neville was quick to praise the tactical adjustments Farke made in order to get another valuable point.

He stated: "Fair dos to [Daniel Farke]. I thought when he was changing his team it was a case of just resting them for the next game but they played that 3-5-2, they played a bit more direct, then he's flipped his system into a 4-2-3-1 that has actually played through Liverpool at times."

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