Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has slammed Joe Rodon for his role in Liverpool’s opening goal in their thrilling draw with Leeds United.
Daniel Farke made two changes to the starting line-up that beat Chelsea, and Leeds lacked the intensity that they had shown in that win for the first hour of the game.
Liverpool dominated the ball in the first half, as Noah Okafor struggled in his battle with defender Ibrahima Konate, while Leeds constantly gave up what little possession they had.
The visitors then hit Leeds with a quickfire double shortly after half-time, as Joe Rodon was guilty of a poor pass that Hugo Ekitike ruthlessly exploited.
Gary Neville criticised Rodon and Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu for their role in the goal, as Leeds completed a remarkable comeback.
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Gary Neville slams Leeds United defender Joe Rodon
Speaking on the Sky Sports coverage of the game, Neville criticised Rodon for his ‘sloppy’ pass that allowed Ekitike to open the scoring.
According to Neville, Leeds captain Ampadu was also to blame, having taken up the wrong position for Rodon’s pass in the build-up to the goal.
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Neville said: “We’re just talking about Wirtz and how he might get closer to Ekitike, but he didn’t need to because Leeds United’s defence have handed it to him on a plate.
“Joe Rodon, such a sloppy pass, I mean Ampadu maybe isn’t set up in the right area, could have gone a bit deeper for him.
“Ekitike pounces upon it, he’s lightning fast. It’s such a basic error for Leeds United.”
Joe Rodon during Leeds United v Liverpool - Premier League
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Early second-half goals are becoming an issue for Daniel Farke and Leeds United
Liverpool blitzed Leeds with a quickfire double after half-time, before a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty sparked Leeds’ remarkable comeback.
However, Farke needs to end a growing problem that is becoming a recurring issue for his Leeds side.
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The Leeds manager changed the game against Liverpool with his subs
Daniel Farke of Leeds United
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According to the BBC, Leeds have now conceded five goals inside the opening five minutes of the second half of Premier League matches, two more than any other side.
Having battled so bravely in the first half, Farke will be disappointed that those two goals proved so costly for his side in a topsy-turvy game.
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