Star striker rues Liverpool collapse versus Leeds | OneFootball

Ekitike rues missed opportunity as Liverpool let late lead slip at Leeds Utd

Liverpool’s trip to Leeds Utd delivered another emotionally draining evening, with Hugo Ekitike’s sharp double ultimately overshadowed by a chaotic finale that denied his side a much-needed Premier League victory. A 3-3 draw at Elland Road offered drama, goals and momentum swings, but little in the way of reassurance for a Liverpool team struggling to convert strong positions into wins.

Photo: IMAGO

Ekitike impact offers mixed emotions

For Ekitike, the night captured the duality of elite football: personal redemption in front of goal matched by collective disappointment at the final result.

The forward struck twice in quick succession shortly after the restart, giving Liverpool a commanding 2-0 advantage and shifting the tempo firmly in their favour. His second effort in particular showcased sharp instincts, reading the play before accelerating into position to meet a driven delivery and finish decisively.

Yet despite his influence, the Frenchman emerged from Elland Road with a sense of frustration. Liverpool’s defensive structure unravelled under pressure and allowed Leeds Utd routes back into the contest that should never have materialised from such a dominant position.

Momentum swings define another unpredictable contest

The match evolved into a breathless sequence of counter-punches. Leeds Utd responded with two quickfire goals of their own, energised by the home crowd and buoyed by Liverpool’s hesitancy out of possession. Dominik Szoboszlai briefly restored the visitors’ lead with 10 minutes remaining, but a stoppage-time equaliser ensured the points were shared.

For Liverpool, the recurring theme is alarming: promising attacking phases overshadowed by lapses in concentration, organisation and collective running. Ekitike himself acknowledged that the team struggled to manage the game’s emotional and physical demands once Leeds Utd gained momentum. The forward emphasised the need for togetherness, smarter work without the ball and a more resilient response to pressure situations.

Collective mindset under scrutiny during tough spell

Liverpool’s recent form has sparked wider discussion around game management, intensity and leadership across the squad. While Ekitike stressed unity and calm as essential components of recovery, he also hinted at internal frustration that results continue to slip away late in matches.

His comments reflected both accountability and ambition: goals are welcomed, but victories are the currency that matters most. The striker admitted the dip in personal output in recent weeks had weighed on him, making his brace at Elland Road a source of encouragement — though one ultimately overshadowed by the late concession.

Leeds Utd display highlights areas for improvement

From a tactical standpoint, Liverpool again created enough to win but struggled to maintain control in key transition moments. Leeds Utd capitalised on loose spacing and inconsistent pressing, particularly after reducing the deficit to 2-1. Their relentlessness forced Liverpool deeper and exposed soft spots that have become increasingly visible during this challenging spell.

As attention now turns to upcoming fixtures, both Ekitike and the coaching staff face the task of translating encouraging attacking contributions into complete, 90-minute performances. The pathway to improvement remains clear: tighten defensive organisation, manage momentum swings with greater maturity and reinforce collective trust during adverse spells.

Ekitike’s renewed sharpness offers a positive foundation — but Liverpool require broader solutions to avoid more damaging late setbacks.