Slot Frustrated by Penalty Call as Liverpool Toil in Limp Draw with Leeds

Liverpool's winning streak ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Anfield on January 1, 2026. Arne Slot's side, sitting fourth in the Premier League with 33 points from 19 games, failed to break down a resolute Leeds defense, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches but missing a chance to close the gap on third-placed Aston Villa to four points.[1]

Leeds, under Daniel Farke, prioritized pragmatism with a five-man backline that secured their first clean sheet since August—their first in 16 Premier League games. Farke benched in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who later came on as a substitute and thought he'd scored his first goal at Anfield, only to be ruled offside.[1] This marked Leeds' second draw against Liverpool in less than a month, stretching their unbeaten run to six matches.[1][2]

Key moments highlighted Liverpool's struggles. Early pressure saw crosses zip through Liverpool's six-yard box unanswered, while Jeremy Frimpong's quick delivery found Hugo Ekitike off-balance, heading wide. Leeds' best chance came from a misplaced clearance by Alisson Becker, straight to Ethan Ampadu, but the goalkeeper recovered to claim the shot.[1] In the second half, Dominik Szoboszlai tested Lucas Perri from distance around the 60th minute, but Leeds held firm amid building pressure.[1]

Unlike the chaotic 3-3 draw at Elland Road earlier, this was a patient, low-chaos affair that played into Leeds' defensive hands. Highlights from the match show Liverpool's hesitation leading to loose balls and clearances, with no real penetration.[2] Slot's frustration peaked over a controversial penalty decision—believed to be a denied spot-kick—that epitomized Liverpool's toil in a limp performance, their first goalless draw in 117 matches since December 2023 against Manchester United.[1][2]

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