Leeds United and Liverpool gave fans a crazy night at Elland Road, ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw that had everything, goals, mistakes, a late equaliser, and pure chaos.
But after the match, all the talk was about one Leeds player who came off the bench and changed the whole game.
And according to Jamie Redknapp, that player actually “scares” him, in a good way.
Leeds Fight Back After Liverpool Look in Control
The first half didn’t give much excitement, but the second half exploded into life.
Liverpool scored twice in quick time through Hugo Ekitike, and the away fans thought the job was done. Leeds looked lost, and Elland Road went quiet.
But things changed when Wilfried Gnonto came on.
The Italian winger didn’t waste time. He ran at the Liverpool defenders with speed and confidence, and soon he won a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Ibrahima Konaté.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up and smashed it home to make it 2-1.
Just minutes later, Anton Stach scored the equaliser after more pressure created by Leeds’ fast attacking play.
Liverpool thought they had won it when Dominik Szoboszlai fired in a strong shot in the 80th minute.
But Leeds refused to give up, and in the 96th minute, Ao Tanaka hit a wonderful volley to make it 3-3. The stadium exploded with noise.
It was a comeback full of fight, belief, and energy.
Jamie Redknapp: “Gnonto Scared Me… and the Liverpool Players”
After the match, Redknapp was full of praise for Leeds but especially for Wilfried Gnonto.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said that Liverpool looked comfortable at 2-0, until Gnonto came on.
Getty Images
He called the Italian a “box of tricks”, saying: “Every time he got the ball, he scared me. Honestly, I felt like something was going to happen. He scared me and he scared the Liverpool players.”
Gnonto won the penalty, helped build the second goal, and caused constant problems for Liverpool’s defence.
Redknapp said Leeds looked a different team once Daniel Farke brought him on, along with Brenden Aaronson and Ao Tanaka.
He also praised Daniel Farke for making bold changes at the right time.
Leeds Cannot Afford to Sell Gnonto in January
There have been rumours that Leeds might sell Gnonto in January if the right offer comes. But performances like this show how important he can be.
Even though he has not been a regular starter this season, his ability to change games is rare.
He is one of the few Leeds players who can beat defenders with skill, pace, and confidence.
His numbers this season are not huge, only 8 games and 306 minutes in total but his impact against Liverpool was massive.
If Leeds want to stay in the Premier League and stay dangerous in attack, they may need to keep Gnonto and use him more often.
Gnonto Must Be Part of Leeds’ Future
Leeds showed massive heart against Liverpool, and players like Gnonto were the reason they came away with a point.
His energy, confidence, and fearlessness made a massive difference.
Jamie Redknapp’s comments say it all, Gnonto brings something special, something defenders hate and something Leeds badly need.
Daniel Farke now has a big decision. But after this performance, one thing is clear, Wilfried Gnonto should not be on the bench.
He should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
For more Leeds United news, gear, and match updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates directly to your phone.
Discover more from Leeds United News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
