Leeds have now extended the unbeaten run to six games after a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Daniel Farke frustrated Arne Slot and secured a point for Leeds in doing so, which takes the Whites seven points above the relegation zone after 19 games – the halfway point of the season.
Leeds did well to keep Liverpool out – James Justin even won the Man of the Match award for a particularly outstanding defensive display – but Slot was left furious by one aspect of how the Whites went about defending in their own box.
Arne Slot accuses Leeds United players of conning Chris Kavanagh
The Dutchman felt Leeds kept hitting the deck inside their own box to trick Chris Kavanagh into awarding free-kicks, which relieved the pressure at key moments.
Who was your man of the match from Leeds’ battling draw at Anfield? 🧱
FULL-TIME: Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United
Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
When asked for his thoughts on Hugo Ekitike staying on his feet instead of going down to potentially win a penalty, Slot told Stan Sport Football: “That is mainly who we’ve been this season.
“It’s just the team we are. Unfortunately… in the second half I saw players of them (Leeds) going down in their own box so many times, and every time the referee awarded them a free-kick.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
The 47-year-old has history of pointing the finger at Leeds, having also accused Willy Gnonto of diving to win a penalty in the 3-3 draw at Elland Road in December.
Ultimately, only Slot is to blame for the Reds failing to defeat Leeds this season, and his excuses will do little to appease a large section of Liverpool fans who booed another dismal performance on Thursday night.
Nothing wrong with Leeds United tapping into the dark arts – Daniel Farke should be proud
Leeds – who impressed Virgil van Dijk – have struggled outside of Elland Road this season, winning just one of 11 away games, and even that came against a Wolves side currently sitting bottom with three points.
How costly will Ethan Ampadu’s absence be against Man U?
Daniel Farke was not happy with the decision to book the Leeds captain, which ruled him out of the game 😠
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Credit: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It means Farke needs to find ways for Leeds to keep their heads above water when away from Elland Road, and if that requires delving into the dark arts such as going down softly to get a result, then so be it.
Nobody at Leeds will care one bit about playacting at the end of the season if survival is secured, and the fact Slot even felt the need to mention it during his interview just proves that Farke got inside his head.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox