‘It’s just weird’ – Gary Neville baffled by what Liverpool star did in wild scenes vs Leeds United
Gary Neville was left wanting one big question answered after a “weird” incident in a six-goal thriller between Leeds United and Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah was benched by Arne Slot for the third consecutive game, but Hugo Ekitike was on hand to hand the Reds a two-goal advantage at Elland Road on Saturday, 6 December.
The Frenchman pounced on a calamitous mistake from Joe Rodon before pouncing again, but the Whites hit back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach, despite Lukas Nmecha‘s absence.
Leeds impressed against Chelsea last time out, deploying a new tactic which is clearly working, and Elland Road was only silenced shortly after Dominik Szoboszlai‘s goal, with Ao Tanaka netting the equaliser.
Ibrahima Konate brings Willy Gnonto down for a Leeds United penalty
Leeds were obviously given hope when Ibrahima Konate brought Willy Gnonto down in the penalty area, and it was a situation that Neville could not quite understand due to the defender’s movement.
Watching the incident again, the Frenchman slid along the floor with his arms tucked into his chest, and with the challenge being labelled “careless”, the former Man United defender wanted answers.
Speaking live on Sky Sports (6 December, 7:02pm), Neville said: “Anthony Taylor has commentated on that decision better than I have. It’s a careless challenge,” as the referee addressed the stadium.
“He’s got his arm on his chest. What’s he got his hand on his chest for? Is that for the handball thing? It’s just weird,” he continued.
Liverpool defender only raises more concerns over his future
Plenty has been made about Konate’s current contract situation, with his deal expiring at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, and rumours already circulating.
Football Insider understands that Liverpool are prepared to sell Konate in January if they can find a replacement, and that should situation could certainly emerge next month.
The 26-year-old has been nothing short of awful this term, with the Reds falling down the Premier League table after a run of dreadful results, and he has been a big part of that.
While he could do very little to stop Tanaka‘s late equaliser, his mindset has only played into Liverpool’s frailties this season, and it only continued at Elland Road.