Liverpool 0-0 Leeds: Three Talking Points - Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha

Liverpool's unbeaten run reached eight games but their winning streak ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day 2026. Arne Slot's side dominated with 18 shots to Leeds' four but couldn't break down a resolute five-man defense led by Daniel Farke's pragmatic tactics.[1][2]

1. Jeremie Frimpong's Endless Energy

Jeremie Frimpong was Liverpool's standout performer, tirelessly bombing forward from right-back. His rapid crosses pierced Leeds' backline, including a third low delivery through the six-yard box that Hugo Ekitike headed onto goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Despite the lack of end product, Frimpong's directness exposed Leeds' defense, nearly unlocking the game early in the second half. Slot will rue the wastefulness after two more crosses evaded Liverpool attackers, eliciting groans from the Anfield crowd.[2]

2. Hugo Ekitike's Missed Opportunities

Striker Hugo Ekitike led the line but squandered key chances in a toothless attack. Positioned perfectly for Frimpong's crosses, he failed to connect decisively, heading one onto Perri instead of goal. Liverpool's patient build-up played into Leeds' hands, with Ekitike unable to convert dominance into goals. A late Virgil van Dijk header from Dominik Szoboszlai's corner bounced wide, but Ekitike's profligacy summed up the hosts' blunt edge.[1][2]

3. Rio Ngumoha's Emerging Threat

Teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha injected late excitement, assisting a blocked van Dijk shot in added time. His burst forward highlighted Liverpool's youth depth amid frustrations. Meanwhile, Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin came closest offside, but Ngumoha's cameo offered optimism as Slot eyes reducing the gap to third-placed Aston Villa.[1][2]

Leeds' first clean sheet since August halted Liverpool's momentum, with Alisson Becker denying Ethan Ampadu's rare chance. Slot called it a "disappointment," as the draw extended Leeds' unbeaten run to six.[1][3]