Liverpool’s start to 2026 fell flat as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a disciplined Leeds United side at Anfield, with chances at a premium and frustration growing among the home support.
Arne Slot’s team, coming into the contest on the back of three straight wins, never found fluency against visitors who arrived with several regular starters rested. Leeds’ organisation and energy ensured they left Merseyside with a deserved point, stretching their unbeaten league run to six matches and further easing relegation concerns.
Slot shuffled his pack, bringing Dominik Szoboszlai back from suspension and handing starts to Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson, while Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa were left on the bench. Leeds, meanwhile, surprised many by keeping in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin among the substitutes, opting instead for Lukas Nmecha to lead the line.
From the opening exchanges, Leeds looked comfortable sitting compact and challenging Liverpool’s build-up. They nearly capitalised on a loose Alisson Becker pass early on, though captain Ethan Ampadu failed to make clean contact with the goalkeeper stranded. Liverpool, often casual in possession, struggled to break lines and relied heavily on width, particularly through Jeremie Frimpong on the right.
The hosts’ clearest first-half opening came when Frimpong’s awkward delivery fell invitingly to Hugo Ekitike, but the forward somehow steered his effort wide from close range. There was also a moment of controversy when Ekitike appeared to be impeded inside the area, though play continued.
Leeds always carried a threat on the counter and, despite the gulf in squad depth, it was Daniel Farke who appeared to hold more match-altering options on the bench. Calvert-Lewin, who has been in prolific form, was introduced after the break and immediately made an impact, seeing a well-taken finish ruled out for a marginal offside call.
Slot responded with multiple substitutions in search of urgency, including withdrawing Florian Wirtz, but Liverpool still lacked sharpness. A free header from Virgil van Dijk at a corner offered hope late on, only for it to drift harmlessly wide.
As the game ticked into stoppage time, Leeds remained composed and compact, repelling everything Liverpool threw at them to secure a clean sheet. The draw denied the hosts the chance to create daylight between themselves and Chelsea in the race for European places, while Leeds moved seven points clear of the bottom three.
After the match, Frimpong admitted Liverpool fell short. “We wanted more from the game,” he said. “They defended really well. We tried, but it wasn’t enough.”
Slot was left frustrated by another penalty decision not going his side’s way, suggesting his players are often reluctant to exaggerate contact compared to opponents. “Those moments make the difference,” he said. “But this is who we are.”
Leeds defender James Justin, named player of the match, felt the tactical approach paid off. “We adjusted our shape and trusted it,” he said. “Against a team like Liverpool, you have to get those details right.”
Farke echoed that sentiment, praising his players’ resilience. “There were spells where we had to suffer,” he said. “But the mentality and togetherness were excellent. A clean sheet at Anfield is not something you take lightly.”
