Thiago and Fabinho combine again
The outcome at Elland Road should really have been a formality from the moment the teamsheet dropped.
There, alongside Fabinho in the midfield, was Thiago Alcantara, the Spaniard making his first start of the season.
On the nine previous occasions the duo had started alongside each other in the engine room, only Sadio Mane’s controversially disallowed goal at Goodison last season prevented a 100% record.
And both ensured their unbeaten record together moved into double figures with impressive displays.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Fabinho superb and two other impress vs Leeds
Fabinho notched only his fourth goal for Liverpool when prodding home at the second attempt five minutes into the second half after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner was headed down by Virgil van Dijk.
And the game was made completely safe in injury time when Thiago shimmied inside the area and rolled the ball across for Sadio Mane to thrash home.
Remarkably, it was the Spaniard’s first direct assist as a Liverpool player.
Fabinho’s display was all the more commendable given he had to negotiate much of the game while on a yellow card following a 16th-minute booking.
But the Brazilian’s discipline and positional nous allowed the Reds to dominate the midfield battle in which Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips was comprehensively subdued.
And Jordan Henderson’s lively cameo was another positive, albeit coming in circumstances nobody would have wanted.
Time to enjoy Salah
Maybe the Leeds United fans knew what was coming.
From the first whistle, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the target for jeers whenever the ball landed at his feet.
If it was an attempt to unsettle the Egyptian, then the Elland Road faithful were mistaken.
Sorely, sorely mistaken.
This was a landmark afternoon for Salah in more ways than one.
Yes, there was the notable achievement of becoming only the 30th player to score 100 Premier League goals when knocking in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross from the right on 20 minutes.
But his outstanding overall performance, in the first half in particular, showcased a player at the very top of his game.
Certainly, Leeds left-back Junior Firpo will have sleepless nights having been given the runaround by the Egyptian.
Salah wasn’t exactly given much protection from the officials who, at least early on, weren’t inclined to punish many misdemeanours against the Liverpool man.
He could have got distracted. Instead, Salah brushed himself down and responded with a 17th goal in his last 21 away games. Remarkable.
Of course, the longer there is no resolution to talks over a new contract, the more speculation will grow over his future.
For now, though, Liverpool fans – and the Premier League – can simply enjoy Salah at his free-flowing, confident best.
Mane and the transfer question
Until his injury-time strike, it had appeared one of those days for Sadio Mane.
The Senegalese had found new and creative ways to spurn chances, whether it be having a shot blocked, forcing a save, screwing efforts narrowly wide or, in the first half, ballooning a close-range effort that seemed easier to score.
And while there will be understandable concern over such profligacy, Liverpool supporters should not be fooled.
This isn’t the same Mane who struggled for large parts of last term, the forward reinvigorated and rehabilitated by his much-needed summer of rest.
However, question marks will remain over Liverpool’s strength of depth in attack.
While Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino missed out here through injury, there was still no space for Divock Origi in the 20-man squad.
The sickening blow for Harvey Elliott, who could be an option on the right flank, has placed the situation into sharper focus.
Liverpool will wait until the youngster’s full prognosis, but a lengthy spell on the sidelines is inevitable.
Klopp spoke before the weekend that the Reds have yet to determine their course of action once Salah and Mane disappear in January for the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the Reds may now have no other choice than to dip into the transfer market in the New Year.
