Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai admitted he was left stunned after the Reds were held to a dramatic 3–3 draw by Leeds United on Matchweek 15 of the Premier League, Sunday (December 7, 2025). Liverpool had been firmly in control and two goals ahead by the 50th minute—only to crumble under pressure and allow the hosts to claw their way back.
Liverpool travelled to Elland Road with confidence and immediately dictated the tempo. Their pressure paid off early in the second half when Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the 48th minute, calmly finishing after a defensive miscommunication from Leeds.
Just two minutes later, Ekitike struck again. The 23-year-old forward met Conor Bradley’s lofted cross from the right flank with a composed touch, doubling Liverpool’s advantage and seemingly putting the Reds in a comfortable position.
But from that moment on, the match took a surprising and chaotic turn.
Leeds Spark a Comeback Out of Nowhere
In the 73rd minute, Leeds United were handed a lifeline when Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a penalty to reduce the deficit. Buoyed by the goal, the home side began pushing forward relentlessly, and just two minutes later Anton Stach completed the comeback with a well-placed finish to level the score at 2–2.
Liverpool regained the lead in the 80th minute through Szoboszlai himself, who struck with precision from the edge of the box. His goal appeared to be the decisive moment that would secure three crucial points.
But Leeds refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time—at 90+6 minutes—Ao Tanaka unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew past the goalkeeper and sent Elland Road into a frenzy. Liverpool were stunned, and the match ended with a result few would have predicted after the hour mark.
The 3–3 draw felt like a defeat for Liverpool, who once again let a winning position slip away.
Szoboszlai: “I Thought the Game Was Over at 2–0”
Speaking after the match, Szoboszlai admitted he was bewildered by how Liverpool allowed the game to spiral out of control.
“I don’t know what happened after 2–0,” the 25-year-old midfielder said. “I thought we felt the game was already finished. Before the match we talked about this—these are the kinds of games where you cannot underestimate your opponent.”
Szoboszlai acknowledged that Leeds gained momentum after their penalty goal, and Liverpool failed to manage the situation properly.
“Maybe after the penalty they found the momentum and equalised quickly. We reacted well and took the lead again, which was positive. But conceding from another set piece is not how we should be ending games.”
Despite the disappointment, Szoboszlai praised the team’s fighting spirit for a brief period—but admitted the final result was unacceptable.
“After it went 2–2 we showed good mentality and wanted to respond because we knew we made mistakes that let them back into the match. We went ahead again, 3–2, but in the end there’s nothing good to say about the result.”
Liverpool’s Title Hopes Hit Another Major Blow
The draw adds to the growing frustration surrounding Liverpool’s season. The defending Premier League champions now sit eighth in the table with 23 points—ten points behind early leaders Arsenal. The inconsistency has raised doubts about whether Liverpool can reignite their title challenge.
Szoboszlai admitted he is unsure where the team truly stands at the moment.
“I don’t know exactly where we are now,” he said. “It’s difficult to say if we can get back to the level we showed last season. We need to find solutions quickly.”
Instead of pointing fingers, the Hungarian international insisted the squad must take collective responsibility.
“Everyone Must Take Responsibility”
Szoboszlai made it clear that the problems cannot be attributed to one department or group of players. The entire squad—senior and young players alike—must commit to turning things around.
“Now we have to find solutions, show a reaction, and everyone must take responsibility,” he stressed. “Not just the experienced players or the ones who have been here a long time. Everyone has to step onto the pitch ready to fight for this badge.”
Liverpool’s next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can salvage their season or continue to drift away from the top of the table.
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