A Mohamed Salah hat-trick helped Liverpool beat Leeds United 4-3 in a cracking Premier League encounter at Anfield today.
The Reds began the new season with intent and took the game to the visitors.
They were rewarded after just five minutes when Mohamed Salah’s shot hit the outstretched arm of Robin Koch inside the box, earning Liverpool a penalty.
The Egypt international stepped up to smash his spot-kick straight down the middle, becoming the first Liverpool player to score on the opening day of the season four seasons in a row.
Liverpool’s lead lasted less than 10 minutes as, having already had one goal disallowed for offside, Leeds equalised.
Jack Harrison cut in from the left past Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez before beating goalkeeper Alisson Becker down to his right.
In an open game Sadio Mane had a lobbed goal over an out-of-position Illan Meslier ruled out for an offside against Andy Robertson in the build-up.
But they soon re-took the lead when Mane forced a corner and the Leeds goalkeeper failed to keep out Virgil Van Dijk’s powerful header from Robertson’s delivery.
The was no let up in the early-season feeling to the game with Robertson’s attempted cross diverted goalwards by Pascal Struijk and just tipped over by Meslier.
Then Leeds equalised for a second time when uncharacteristic hesitation by Van Dijk was compounded by a mistake which allowed Patrick Bamford to lift a shot over Alisson.
Almost immediately Liverpool responded with the defensive errors continuing, Leeds failing to clear a Robertson free-kick which allowed Salah to smash home a half-volley to make it 3-2.
Leeds’ third equaliser of the game was by far their best.
Helder Costa swung in a low cross and Mateusz Klich controlled with his first touch before dispatching the ball inside the far post with his second.
Salah completed his hat-trick to put Liverpool 4-3 ahead with a second penalty with just over two minutes remaining.
The Egyptian showed composure from the spot to tuck home after Fabinho was caught in the box by Rodrigo.
Klopp's side held out to claim all three points from a thrilling game.
