Liverpool Held to Frustrating Goalless Draw by Resolute Leeds at Anfield

Liverpool kicked off the new year with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Anfield, extending their unbeaten run to eight games but failing to capitalize on a golden opportunity to pull further clear in the race for Champions League spots.

Arne Slot's side dominated possession and created the better chances, yet a combination of wasteful finishing and an outstanding defensive display from the visitors ensured a rare goalless stalemate—the first in the Premier League for Liverpool in 117 matches.

The match, played in front of a frustrated home crowd, saw Liverpool control proceedings from the outset. With Mohamed Salah absent at the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot opted for Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing, alongside attackers Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The Reds enjoyed around 66-69% possession, registering multiple shots and an expected goals (xG) figure approaching 2.0, but they lacked the clinical edge that has characterized their best performances.

Hugo Ekitike squandered the game's clearest opportunity in the first half, somehow heading wide from close range after Frimpong's effort had been parried. Virgil van Dijk also missed a glaring header from a corner in the second period, nodding wide when unmarked on the penalty spot. Substitute Cody Gakpo and others injected energy late on, but Leeds' backline held firm.

Credit must go to Daniel Farke's Leeds, who arrived as a promoted side in fine form—unbeaten in six prior to this fixture—and executed their game plan to perfection. Defenders Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, and James Justin were immense, with Justin earning Player of the Match honors on just his second league start for the club. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri made key saves, while the midfield trio of Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, and Ilia Gruev provided a compact shield.

Leeds even threatened on the counter, with substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin having a goal disallowed for offside after cleverly lifting the ball over Alisson Becker. Brenden Aaronson and Lukas Nmecha caused occasional problems, but Farke's men were content to frustrate and secure a valuable point, pushing them seven clear of the relegation zone.

Post-match, Slot acknowledged the positives in maintaining a clean sheet—something Liverpool have struggled with in similar low-block encounters this season—but admitted disappointment. "We tried, but not hard enough in the final third," he said. Leeds boss Farke hailed it as a "great point" against the defending champions, emphasizing his side's aggression and compactness.

This result leaves Liverpool fourth on 33 points, three ahead of fifth-placed rivals, but it feels like two points dropped amid a congested title race. The earlier reverse fixture in December had ended 3-3 in a thriller at Elland Road, but this rematch was a stark contrast: dour, defensive, and devoid of goals.

For Leeds, it's another statement in their impressive return to the top flight, now unbeaten in seven. As Liverpool prepare for a trip to Fulham, questions linger over their ability to break down stubborn defenses without key absentees. A sluggish start to 2026, but with the season halfway done, there's still time for Slot's men to rediscover their spark.