Analysis: Farke's players show spirit againpublished at 20:56 GMT 6 December 2025
20:56 GMT 6 December 2025
Aadam Patel Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It came as little surprise to see Daniel Farke stick with the 3-5-2 formation that saw Leeds beat Chelsea on Wednesday, but initially they lacked the tempo they showed in that display against Enzo Maresca's side.
For vast parts of this game, Leeds looked jaded but they deserve all the credit for fighting back in a pulsating second half.
They had Ibrahima Konate to thank for giving away a careless penalty. Once Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back from the spot, it woke up the Elland Road crowd.
Liverpool's weaknesses at the back were exposed further when Anton Stach was able to easily find room in the box and fire in a leveller.
Even when Liverpool went behind again, Leeds kept pushing and were rewarded as their visitors conceded from a set-piece yet again with Ao Tanaka on hand to finish.
For Leeds, this could have been a week in which Farke was fighting for his job, with fixtures against Chelsea and last season's champions after a run of six defeats in seven.
But his players have delivered and, after ripping Chelsea apart on Wednesday, this was a night full of spirit that showed just how crucial the Elland Road big-game atmosphere could be in their fight for survival.
Leeds 3-3 Liverpool: What Farke and Stach saidpublished at 20:12 GMT 6 December 2025
20:12 GMT 6 December 2025
Media caption,
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to Sky Sports after sharing the points with Liverpool at Elland Road: "It was difficult. Our third game in seven days against big names in European football. To get out of this week with these performances and this amount of points is great for the lads.
"You could feel against the ball we had the energy, but in possession we made a few mistakes and were running out of energy. We have to be over the line physically when playing against top sides, but whatever was thrown our way we showed unbelievable resilience, experience and also the flexibility to adapt to different needs.
"It is just one point, but the lads can take even more than just one point from it. It feels a bit like a win tonight. All the credit goes to my players. To bring it on the pitch against the reigning champions was second to none, so all of the credit goes to my players."
On the atmosphere inside the stadium helping the players: "Yes, it did help the players but I also have a job to do and I have to help a bit from the sidelines. I can't afford to be too emotional. I have to try to find solutions and answers to the questions that are being asked, that is my job - but all the credit goes to the guys.
"It was one of the magical nights at Elland Road. We're not one of the best teams in terms of individual quality, I think that is fair to say, but the lads work their socks off and leave their heart on the pitch. It is outstanding and a joy to work this group. They deserve to enjoy this weekend."
On whether this game should convince people that his team is on the right track: "It's not a question I'm even thinking about because before this week I was 100% convinced. I work with these guys every day and I see what it means to them, how united they are, and their spirit and togetherness. It is outstanding. I'm a big believer that you get what you invest in and these boys are willing to present this club in the best possible way. It's a long road, nothing is achieved yet, but we should take lots of confidence out of this."
Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach has also been speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I got goosebumps over my whole body [after making it 2-2]. It's amazing. It was my first goal here at Elland Road and it felt unbelievable. When you've never scored a goal, you can't imagine how it is.
"The the point is deserved. It was a tough game but it's nice because, over the season, we've had some unlucky games and lost in the last minute or lost some points, but today we took one point and hopefully it gives us some confidence."
On where the spirit comes from in the side: "I think we are a real unit. When you have the unit with this stadium behind you, it is really hard to play against. We try this every week. We have amazing fans. We hope that the fans are still doing their unbelievable job and we can celebrate some points together."
Did you know?
Leeds recovered from a two-goal deficit to avoid defeat in the Premier League for the first time since beating Bournemouth 4-3 in November 2022, ending a run of 16 successive defeats when going two goals behind in the top-flight.
Leeds have scored three or more goals in back-to-back Premier League games at Elland Road for the first time since May 2021.
For the third game in a row, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has benched Mohamed Salah.
Conor Bradley is back in the side after a spell on the sidelines and Hugo Ekitike returns to the starting XI, with Alexander Isak dropping to the bench for the visitors.
In total, there are four changes from Wednesday's draw against Sunderland.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Bournemouth v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Liverpool", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Leeds v Liverpoolpublished at 11:06 GMT 6 December 2025
11:06 GMT 6 December 2025
When are Liverpool going to turn the corner? They were fortunate not to lose at home to Sunderland in midweek and they still look fragile.
The way Arne Slot's side are playing, this is going to be another tough game for them. As Chelsea found out on Wednesday, Leeds at home are usually a different animal to Leeds away.
The biggest difference with Daniel Farke's side in the past couple of games, however, has been down to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He gives them a different dynamic in their attack.
Calvert-Lewin came on at half-time against City and played 86 minutes against Chelsea, and his physical presence up front was a big factor in both games.
I am not sure how Liverpool are going to have to deal with him but my only doubt about Leeds is how much those two games have taken out of them.
Leeds United v Liverpool: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:34 GMT 5 December 2025
18:34 GMT 5 December 2025
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United go in search of back-to-back wins, against a Liverpool side with just four victories from their past 14 games. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match (17:30 GMT).
Leeds prepared to be flexible
Leeds moved out of the bottom three by beating Chelsea on Wednesday, ending a run of four consecutive defeats. The Whites had shown signs of improvement in narrow losses to Aston Villa and Manchester City, but a tactical switch proved decisive as they finally turned performance into points.
The Yorkshire side gave City a second-half scare last weekend following a switch to a back three and started with that system in midweek, providing a solid defensive foundation.
Manager Daniel Farke admitted afterwards that promoted sides "have to be flexible and adapt to the opponent", stressing "I'm not married to a formation, but married to principles" and emphasising "it's important for us to be unpredictable".
They had just 28.6% possession against the Blues – their lowest figure in a league win for nine years – yet still carried plenty of attacking threat, registering an expected goals total of 2.79, their highest since returning to the top flight.
Beating Chelsea means Leeds have the chance to win back-to-back Premier League fixtures for the first time since 2022, with the first victory in that sequence actually coming against Liverpool.
However, that win was at Anfield – recent meetings at Elland Road have been dominated by the Merseysiders. Leeds are winless in their last eight home matches against the Reds in all competitions, losing six of them, including a 6-1 defeat when the sides last met in April 2023.
In fact, Leeds have only beaten Liverpool once at home this century – a memorable 4-3 victory in November 2000, in which Mark Viduka scored four times.
Liverpool frailties 'fuelling confidence' of opponents
Now could be the perfect time for Leeds to end their 25-year wait for a home win in this fixture. Liverpool have lost seven of their past 11 top-flight away games – as many defeats as in their previous 45 matches on the road.
Head coach Arne Slot admitted in midweek that his side's vulnerabilities have "fuelled the confidence" of opponents who "play us now and think they can get a result".
That was evident in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland, when the Wearsiders came close to their first win at Anfield since 1983 before being denied by a late own goal.
It was the first time this season Liverpool have come from behind to avoid defeat in a Premier League match – a surprising statistic given the Reds earned 23 points from losing positions in 2024-25, the joint-highest total in the top flight.
The opening goal on Saturday could be even more decisive than usual. Slot's side have won all seven league games this term when scoring first, but have lost six out of seven after conceding the opener.
🎧 What a difference a week makespublished at 13:18 GMT 5 December 2025
13:18 GMT 5 December 2025
Another episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available on BBC Sounds.
After a massive win over Chelsea at Elland Road, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix ask what that does for the future of Daniel Farke, and look ahead to another game under the floodlights as Liverpool come to LS11 on Saturday.
Farke on team news, maintaining status quo and Liverpool published at 17:18 GMT 4 December 2025
17:18 GMT 4 December 2025
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Elland Road (kick-off 17:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On team news: "No fresh injury concerns. We have definitely Daniel James and Sean Longstaff out as it's a bit more long-term. We need to take some late decisions, like always, when you have such a quick turnaround. Lukas Nmecha with some hamstring problems, so we have to assess him if he's available. Dominic Calvert-Lewin with a calf problem. We have to see who has recovered."
On maintaining status quo after beating Chelsea: "We are never over the moon after the win and also not too down when there is a result we don't like. We are always self-critical, and we spoke today about what we can do better to improve. This is quite normal for such a big club."
Farke noted that "there's no replacement for wins", particularly in "such a massive game against top-class" Chelsea, adding that the result has done wonders "for the mood" within the club and injected a renewed sense of optimism in their fight to avoid relegation this season.
On Joe Rodon playing 100 consecutive league games: "He is my warrior and also a key player for us and has an unbelievable attitude. It says a lot about him, especially nowadays, to achieve 100 games is amazing, and you can only achieve this if you're super professional in all aspects, you look after your body, nutrition and get good sleep. He's always motivated and still improving as a player."
Farke also revealed that he has not turned his attention to the January transfer window, stressing that too many variables remain unresolved, "so many games", long-term injuries and recalling that he had already outlined in the summer what they "would've liked". For now, he reiterated that the focus remains firmly on the "upcoming games".
On positioning his back three against Chelsea: "Jaka [Bijol] has played in a back three more or less the whole of last season in Italy. Joe [Rodon] in the build-up has played so many games as the right-sided centre-back in a back four and I wanted to use Joe's experience in this position. Pascal [Struijk] with his left foot, it was clear that he would play the left role."
Farke admitted that it is "important to overthink things and be self-critical as a manager", but insisted his confidence had not dipped prior to the performance against Manchester City, saying he has "100% belief in what they 're doing and his lads, and are prepared".
On Liverpool: "They are still a top-class side, they are the reigning champions, fully deserved last season, they were excellent. Of course, a lot of fluctuation in the summer and even for them, over the course of 38 games, you will sometimes have a period where the results don't go in your way. They are two points off the Champions League positions, and I have no doubt in my mind that come the crunch period of the season, they will be back for the fight for the Champions League and also for the title."
And looking ahead, Farke is aware that Mohamed Salah has now gone six games without a goal and could easily break that run against Leeds, although he added he hopes "that the spell lasts one more game longer".
'There's no feeling like it' - Bijol on his debut goal for Leedspublished at 12:07 GMT 4 December 2025
12:07 GMT 4 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United centre-back Jaka Bijol could hardly contain his emotions after capping his debut goal with a resounding 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Bijol reflected on the significance of the moment and the atmosphere that followed, describing the goal and the reception from the home crowd as unlike anything he had ever experienced.
He stressed the importance of staying focused to see out the victory, but admitted that scoring in front of the Elland Road faithful fulfilled a lifelong dream and has only made him hungry for a repeat.
"I'm buzzing today," Bijol said. "It was really something fantastic that I dreamed of my whole life because I watched the Premier League as a kid, and for that to happen today was incredible.
"It was so early that I still have to focus on the whole game and bring the three points home. To have a victory at home against such a team is an incredible feeling. We have to go forward again.
"When I saw it in the net and the fans in front of me, I went crazy. It was such a good feeling, there's no feeling like it, honestly. I know what the ex-players say when they say they miss some feelings. Just incredible. I look forward to have nights like this more often."
Kalwant: The best performance of the season. Truly outstanding against an old enemy. It was classic, battling Leeds United. We fought for everything. Two strikers up front for a whole match - what a difference to the non-committal one striker nearly every team plays. 5-3-2 became 3-5-2 and 3-3-4 at times - that is how you attack.
Patrick: Great game, a real throwback to the 70s. Great performance from Leeds who played with great intensity and to their strengths. It appears we've found a system for the Premier league.
Mary: Delighted for Daniel Farke as he is such a great bloke. The players are fighting for him and what a weapon Dominic Calvert-Lewin is! Can't score goals they said, well Lukas Nmecha has three in four and Calvert-Lewin two in two. Scoring machines! Of course, we are staying up.
Thomas: Unbelievable performance from Leeds who worked so hard and fully deserved their win. Fantastic for Farke as I've been one of his supporters that says he needs time. A lot of Leeds fans need to get behind the team and manager and learn to understand it takes time to build a squad. Chopping and changing isn't good for any team.
Chelsea fans:
Jeffersson: Another miscalcuation from the manager. All Chelsea fans knew what to expect at Leeds so why didn't Maresca? Five changes in the line-up. Really? We needed to be strong at the back and we were not. Did he really expect Liam Delap to be a key figure in defending? I knew this was not the the game to play Estevao and Joao Pedro. We just handed an out-of-form Leeds side an easy win.
Kev: When will Maresca wake up and realise that rotating the defenders does not work? As soon as I saw Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badashile were playing, I knew we would struggle. If he didn't realise that Leeds away would be tough, something is very wrong. We need in order: a top manager, top goalkeeper, top centre-back and a world-class striker. Any chance, Santa?
Steve: I struggle to understand Maresca's mindset. All the good work that went in to building the momentum is undone. Tinkering is fine but you have to keep a consistent spine in the side. Chalobah has been our standout centre-back this season so why play him at right-back? Reece James was outstanding in midfield against Arsenal so why leave him out, especially with Moises Caicedo missing? Overall, the changes made us far too passive and that played into Leeds' hands.
Jack: Absolutely shambolic. Maresca's line-up was diabolical. With the form we had going, why would you make so many changes? We cannot get a rhythm going or any consistency. I cannot tell you what our starting XI is and that doesn't help the players as they can't get partnerships going.
'Sometimes you stumble on a system'published at 09:21 GMT 4 December 2025
09:21 GMT 4 December 2025
Emily Salley BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
From the outset against Chelsea, things felt different for Leeds.
Just as he did in the second half against Manchester City in Sunday's 3-2 defeat, Daniel Farke switched to a 3-5-2 formation - a tactic that had proved effective at Etihad Stadium.
"If you are promoted you have to be flexible and adapt to the opponent. I'm not married to a formation, but married to principles," said Farke.
It worked again on Wednesday. Leeds looked dynamic in attack as they raced out of the blocks with a new-found intensity.
"It's the first time he has played this system at Leeds this season and I have to say it looks to be a blueprint," ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.
"Three big centre-backs, legs in the middle of the pitch, very good in the wide areas and two forwards who run and run.
"The boost of coming out of the bottom three will be big but the even bigger boost will be they've won a big match and they've maybe found a way forward."
Neville added: "Leeds fans were wondering 'has the coach got a plan B? Is he going to be able to get us out of this mess?' There was pressure building but tonight the way they played will maybe see them pick up a lot more points."
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given was equally impressed by Leeds' performance: "Much more positive from them. Farke started [against Chelsea} with the same system [he used against Man City], having never played that way in the Championship or in the Premier League so far this year.
"Sometimes managers stumble along a system, and this feels that's the case.
"I would stick to the system 100%, I really would. The season has been just OK at home. They've been given a real lift. Farke has been under pressure in the last week or two, and now they've stumbled upon the system.
Leeds 'look a completely different team'published at 08:17 GMT 4 December 2025
08:17 GMT 4 December 2025
Image source, Getty Images
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says Leeds' 3-1 win over Chelsea, following on from their encouraging second half against Manchester City, can "change their season".
The Whites overturned a 2-0 deficit at Etihad Stadium on Saturday before eventually losing 3-2 late on, but deservedly beat Enzo Maresca's side on Wednesday at Elland Road, with the strong performance propelling them out of the relegation zone.
"I think it's a big result for Daniel Farke," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "A huge result. They had one win in eight going into this game.
"I think the second half against Manchester City gave them different belief. That allowed them to come out of the traps so quickly against Chelsea and put in a huge performance.
"I don't know if he'd have lost his job if they had lost this game, but I think there would have been a lot of people calling for his head. I was at the Villa game and there was a guy who got down to the dugout shouting and questioning his decisions.
"A lot of the fans were dismayed at some of the changes that he made - or those he didn't.
"But the last game and a half could change Leeds' season with that new system, that new belief, and they look a completely different team.
"They look more organised, more compact and also carrying a threat going forward, which is what you have to have to stand a chance of survival in the Premier League.
"They played balls forward quickly that lifted the crowd and got them on their side. It changed the atmosphere within the stadium."
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 08:12 GMT 4 December 2025
08:12 GMT 4 December 2025
Pundits Danny Murphy and Shay Given join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.
Leeds 3-1 Chelsea: What Farke saidpublished at 22:51 GMT 3 December 2025
22:51 GMT 3 December 2025
Media caption,
Daniel Farke spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Leeds' victory against Chelsea: "For nights like this, we were so desperate to bring the club back to the top level. Elland Road was back to its best. A great shift form my lads, a great performance against one of the bst sides in the world.
"To win the game in this manner, deserved by chances, expected goals, goals, shots on target, set pieces. Of course they had more possession, I would have liked to have controlled the game a bit more, but overall a well deserved win, complements to the lads.
"The key today was to return to our best behaviours in terms of defending, in our last games we didn't give much away. For us it was crucial to reduce Chelsea to little, they didn't have one proper chance in the first half.
"After they scored it was important not to allow any more chances. The key was to be rock solid at the back. As a side that dominated and won the title [last season] I would rather stick to a base formation and give a bit more consistency and safety in the processes, but it's fair to say we are not the side with the highest quality in this league, we have to accept this.
"As a promoted side you have to concentrate to take the strength of the opponent away, mirror the opponent, play more pragmatic. I want to play more direct like we used to, but if you are promoted you have to be flexible and adapt to the opponent. I'm not married to a formation, but married to principles. I want to see the same principles on the pitch. It's important for the future for us to be unpredictable and adapt to different scenarios."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin spoke to Sky Sports: "You look at the performances we've put in over the course of the season, sometimes we've deserved more. Today it all came together, more forward, dynamic and on the front foot. Knowing we were at home we knew we had to start the game like that. It's always good when a plan comes together.
"I realised straight away the passion of the fans and what it [playing Chelsea] means to them. You feel that straight away. My job is soring goal so that's the best way I can repay them and for the support they've give me since joining the football club."
Did you know?
Leeds' 3-1 win over Chelsea came with just 28.6% possession; their lowest share in a league victory since a win over Reading in the Championship in December 2016 (23.2%).
Image source, Getty Images
