Liverpool's Scoreless Draw with Leeds Highlights Progress and Arne Slot's Lingering Challenges

Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Leeds United on New Year's Day 2026 exposed the squad's lack of depth and dynamism, despite their status as defending Premier League champions.

Arne Slot's side, now 12 points behind leaders Arsenal, delivered an insipid performance in their first match of the year, failing to score for just the fourth time in the Premier League since last season began. Three of those blanks have come in the last nine games, underscoring recent attacking deficiencies[1]. This was Slot's first goalless draw in 84 games, the first for Liverpool since December 2023 against Manchester United[1].

The match highlighted persistent issues. With Mohamed Salah absent at the Africa Cup of Nations and record signing Alexander Isak sidelined for months after ankle surgery, options were limited. Only Cody Gakpo and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha remain as natural wingers[1]. Slot substituted players like Florian Wirtz, who struggled post his strong showing against Wolves, but the bench has contributed just eight league goals this season, lacking true game-changers[1].

Despite £450 million summer spending, the squad feels unbalanced, prompting calls for January reinforcements[1]. Analysts note Liverpool have become "ordinary," with teams exploiting known weaknesses, especially without key players like Salah[2]. The title-winning swagger of last season is gone, and Slot must restore urgency to avoid a trophyless campaign[1].

While fans debate Slot's future—with challenges in finding a replacement mid-season[3]—the Leeds stalemate serves as a reality check. It underscores Liverpool's progress under Slot in securing the 2025 title but spotlights unresolved problems in depth, creativity, and resilience that demand immediate action heading into 2026[1][2].

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