Liverpool Disappointed as Unbeaten Run Goes to 8 in Leeds Draw

Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day 2026, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches but exposing ongoing issues under head coach Arne Slot.[1][2]

Slot hoped for a strong start to the year after a mixed 2025, marked by a torrid autumn with nine losses in 12 games across competitions, followed by festive wins over Inter Milan, Brighton, and Tottenham. However, the Premier League champions delivered an insipid performance against Daniel Farke's resilient Leeds, who arrived unbeaten in five and frustrated the hosts with a low block.[1]

In the first half, Liverpool showed promise: Hugo Ekitike's close-range header from Jeremie Frimpong's cross was saved by Leeds keeper Lucas Perri, and Florian Wirtz was denied by a remarkable block after linking with Ekitike. Post-breakfast, creativity waned; they managed just one shot on target—a Dominik Szoboszlai strike from distance—and captain Virgil van Dijk headed wide from a set piece. Slot noted post-match: "We have the most ball possession, but that means nothing without creating chances against a low block—you need pace and individual brilliance."[1][2]

Leeds, who dominated early with Brenden Aaronson and Isaac Nmecha pressuring Van Dijk, nearly stole victory late when substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin bundled past Alisson but was ruled offside. Liverpool's lineup—Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike—lacked dynamism and depth.[2]

Fans reacted furiously to Slot's decisions in another disappointing outing, with the stalemate leaving Liverpool closer to third-placed Aston Villa but far from celebratory amid familiar problems.[1][3]

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