Liverpool rampant at Elland Road as visitors stick six past relegation-threatened Leeds
Leeds allowed Liverpool to dominate possession in the early stages as the Whites tried a fresh counter-attacking approach following a mauling against Crystal Palace last time out - their heaviest defeat of the campaign.
The new strategy almost paid off when an early free-kick routine ended with Jack Harrison crossing for the recalled Rodrigo, who headed straight into the arms of Alisson.
For all their first-half possession, Liverpool rarely threatened in the opening stages and initially showed the confidence of a side averaging less than one Premier League away goal per match this season.
Eventually, the Reds found their rhythm, turned on the style and struck twice in quick succession before halftime.
Trent Alexander-Arnold first crossed for Cody Gakpo to convert from close range before Diogo Jota teed up Salah, who drilled high into the net past Illan Meslier at the near post for his eighth PL goal in six matches against Leeds.
Leeds desperately needed a rapid response after the break to stand any chance of bouncing back against a Liverpool side hunting their first away win since February.
A stroke of luck gave the Whites hope minutes after halftime after Ibrahima Konate’s heavy touch was seized upon by Luis Sinisterra and the forward drove into the area and lifted the ball into the net over Alisson.
But Liverpool once again showed their class to restore their advantage as Curtis Jones’ through ball dissected Leeds’ defence and found Jota, who curled past Meslier for his first goal in 32 matches.
Just as it had done a week ago, the Leeds defence was offering absolutely no protection for a helpless Meslier, who had to pick the ball out of his net twice more as the hosts shipped five again.
Gakpo fed through Salah in the box and the Egyptian drilled into the bottom corner before Jota put the game well out of reach with a first-time effort from the edge of the area that went in off the post.
Things would get even worse for the hosts in the 90th minute, as Alexander-Arnold found substitute Darwin Nunez to slot home a sixth and round off a memorable return to form for the Reds.
Another miserable night continues a season of upheaval at Leeds, as they remain entrenched in the relegation battle and just two points above the drop zone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
