Liverpool can set surprise attacking weapon loose to close Man City gap

The race for the Premier League title is starting to heat up, with Liverpool able to go just three points behind Manchester City with a victory over Leeds United on Wednesday night.

Since the Whites achieved promotion from the Championship, Jurgen Klopp's men have fared well against them, scoring a total of eight goals across three matches.

The Reds tend to enforce specific ploys in order to cause problems for Leeds due to their unique tactical approach under Marcelo Bielsa.

His unorthodox game can deliver wins, but weaknesses can be highlighted by opponents who know how to exploit them.

The Argentine coach has favoured man-marking throughout his managerial career and that has continued at Elland Road, with Leeds often going man-for-man all over the pitch regardless of who they're facing.

When the two sides last met, Joel Matip was integral to Liverpool's success. His willingness to carry the ball into large spaces is a particularly valuable trait, and it is one that Leeds did not understand how to manage on the field.

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Matip posted an incredible total of 13 progressive carries during the contest, compared to his usual average of 7.4 per 90 over the past four-and-a-half seasons.

His figure of 13 was at least five more than any other player on the pitch, with Sadio Mane in second on eight, followed by Diogo Jota's seven.

He covered 350 yards in progressive distance, which is defined as the total distance that a player moved the ball with their feet towards the opponent's goal.

The next-best was Sadio Mane once