Image source: Liverpool fc
Liverpool Held by Leeds in Goalless Premier League Clash
Liverpool and Leeds United played out a tense and tightly contested 0-0 draw at Anfield on New Year’s Day, as the Premier League calendar turned to 2026 with a frustrating afternoon for the home side. In a match that promised attacking football and early momentum for the Reds, clear cut chances were at a premium and both teams ultimately had to settle for a point.
The result ended Liverpool’s hopes of opening the year with a fifth consecutive league win, though Arne Slot’s side did extend their unbeaten run to eight matches. For Leeds, the clean sheet at Anfield represented a disciplined and hard fought performance that frustrated the Kop and limited Liverpool’s attacking fluency.
Team News and Selection Choices
Arne Slot made three changes to the Liverpool starting eleven for the New Year’s Day fixture. Dominik Szoboszlai returned from suspension to bolster the midfield, while Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson were restored to the lineup in defense.
Liverpool lined up with Alisson Becker in goal behind a back four of Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Robertson. Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones partnered Szoboszlai in midfield, while the attacking unit featured Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The Liverpool bench included several attacking options, with Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez all available to change the game as it wore on.
Cautious Opening to the New Year
The opening minutes at Anfield reflected a sense of caution from both sides. Leeds United earned a couple of early set pieces, but neither caused any real concern for Alisson Becker. Liverpool responded with patient possession, probing for space and attempting to build rhythm. The first meaningful moment arrived when Hugo Ekitike tested Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri. After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, Ekitike cut inside and fired a low effort that Perri did well to push away.
Liverpool Left Frustrated by Key First Half Moments
Liverpool felt aggrieved midway through the first half when a promising attacking move broke down in controversial fashion. Ibrahima Konate’s long pass released Ekitike in behind the Leeds defense, and the forward appeared to be pulled back as he reached the penalty area. Despite appeals for a foul, play continued and Ekitike managed to square the ball to Florian Wirtz. The German’s close range effort was brilliantly blocked by a recovering James Justin, denying Liverpool what looked like their best chance of the half.
Leeds nearly capitalised on a rare Liverpool mistake when Alisson misjudged a pass outside his box. Ethan Ampadu attempted to take advantage with a quick strike towards goal, but the Liverpool keeper recovered just in time to scoop the ball clear. Ekitike later rose to meet a fierce Jeremie Frimpong cross, but the striker mistimed his header and the opportunity slipped away. As the half drew to a close, neither side had truly tested the opposition goalkeeper, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Second Half Pressure from the Reds
Liverpool emerged from the interval with greater urgency and intent. Conor Bradley became increasingly involved down the right, with several of his efforts deflecting into the Kop as the Reds tried to force a breakthrough. Dominik Szoboszlai then unleashed a powerful drive from distance that was comfortably saved by Lucas Perri. Sensing the need for fresh energy, Arne Slot made a triple substitution just after the hour mark. Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez entered the fray, giving Liverpool added creativity and attacking presence as the tempo of the match increased.
Near Misses and Growing Tension at Anfield
Liverpool came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Virgil van Dijk rose highest from a Szoboszlai corner. The captain’s downward header drifted just wide of the post, drawing groans from the home crowd. Hugo Ekitike later tried his luck from outside the box with a fierce strike from 20 yards, but the effort sailed over the crossbar. Despite dominating possession and territory, Liverpool struggled to carve out a clear opening against a well organised Leeds defense.
Leeds Strike Disallowed Late On
As Liverpool pushed forward, Leeds began to threaten on the counter. Substitute Dominic Calvert Lewin thought he had given the visitors a shock lead late in the match when he clipped the ball into the net from close range. However, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. Calvert Lewin had moved beyond the last defender before Sebastian Bornauw’s touch redirected the ball into his path, and the flag brought relief to Anfield. That moment proved to be the final significant incident of the contest, as neither side could find the decisive goal.
Full Time Reflections and What It Means
The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw that felt like a missed opportunity for Liverpool. While the Reds maintained their unbeaten run and defensive solidity, the lack of cutting edge in the final third will concern Arne Slot as the season progresses. For Leeds United, the point was well earned. Their disciplined shape, timely blocks and composure under pressure limited Liverpool’s attacking threats and ensured a valuable clean sheet away from home.
Looking Ahead for Liverpool
Liverpool will take positives from their control of large spells of the match and the continued return of key players such as Szoboszlai. However, the dropped points at Anfield underline the fine margins in the Premier League and the importance of converting dominance into goals. As the Reds look ahead to their next fixtures, sharpening their finishing and finding greater cohesion in the final third will be crucial if they are to turn draws like this into wins.
Final Score
Liverpool 0
Leeds United 0
A frustrating start to 2026 for the Reds, but another chapter in an unbeaten run that keeps momentum alive as the Premier League season continues.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com