Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at home by Leeds as 2026 began in frustrating fashion for Arne Slot’s side.
It was the first time Liverpool have been involved in a 0-0 draw in the Premier League for 117 matches, as Leeds’ plan worked a treat.
WATCH — Full replay
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz went close in the first half for Liverpool but Leeds held firm and had a couple of chances of their own in the second half but their main aim was to defend and they did it really well.
MORE — Arne Slot reaction
Liverpool are seven games unbeaten in the league but this will feel like two points dropped as they move on to 33 points. Leeds have 21 points as they are unbeaten in six.
Liverpool lacking urgency
This was a very similar display to several recent games and this time Liverpool couldn’t rely on a moment of magic or the opposition making a mistake to win it. Hugo Ekitike tried his best to get Liverpool going in attack but he was so isolated and Liverpool’s stodgy attacking play is becoming more common. Perhaps that is to be expected as they’ve shored things up defensively and that was a priority for Arne Slot after a poor start to the season. You can’t have it all. But Liverpool should have created more and forced the issue more against Leeds as they seemed to be scared to take risks. Their unbeaten run is stretched to eight games in all competitions but there have been plenty of uninspiring displays as they try to regain confidence. The next stop for Slot’s side is throw caution to the wind more.
What’s next?
Liverpool head to Fulham on Sunday, January 4. Leeds host bitter rivals Manchester United on the same day.
Liverpool vs Leeds score: 0-0
Liverpool vs Leeds live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Gruev with two decent chances
We are in stoppage time and Gruev has one drilled shot blocked. Then he spanks the rebound over. Good chance for Leeds.
End to end now!
At one end Leeds have a chance as Gruev crosses but Van Dijk clears. Then a cross to the back post almost finds Szoboszlai but it goes out.
Calvert-Lewin scores, but he’s offside
A cross into the box is flicked on by Bornauw and Calvert-Lewin finishes superbly at the near post. But the flag is up and he is clearly offside. VAR checks but he’s off. Just under 10 minutes to go.
Calvert-Lewin, Okafor on for Leeds
Farke has rolled the dice. Calvert-Lewin and Okafor are on for Nmecha and Aaronson. Calvert-Lewin has scored in each of his last six PL games, the best run of his career.
Van Dijk heads a corner wide
That is a big chance for VVD. A corner is whipped in and somehow Van Dijk is totally free. His header is in to the ground and wide.
Triple sub for Liverpool
Kerkez, Gakpo and Mac Allister are on for Robertson, Wirtz and Jones. Liverpool need some extra zip about their play. All three of those players should provide it. 24 minutes to go.
Ampadu booked and he’s out of Leeds against Man United
Ethan Ampadu is booked and that is his fifth of the season. He will miss Leeds’ huge game against Man United.
Very quiet start to the second half
Liverpool are working hard to get things going in attack but Leeds are holding firm. There is not much in this at all.
Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Leeds
Well, Leeds will be delighted with that. They caused some problems in attack but held firm in their shape defensively. They also have Calvert-Lewin to bring in early in the second half after he got a nice rest. For Liverpool, Frimpong, Ekitike and Wirtz caused problems but that was a clunky first half from the hosts.
Ekitike should score
Frimpong’s cross is straight to Ekitike at the back post but he gets the header all wrong from close range and heads it away from goal. Perri did enough to put him off, but Ekitike has to score.
Sloppy from Alisson but Leeds can’t convert
That is really sloppy from Alisson as he passes the ball straight to Ethan Ampadu. But his shot lacks power and Alisson scampers back across his goal to save. Leeds let Alisson off the hook.
Incredible block to deny Wirtz!
Ekitike causing problems again as a long ball over the top finds him. He is pushing away Bijol who is all over him and finds Wirtz. Justin makes a magnificent block to deny Wirtz a certain goal.
Big chance for Liverpool!
Ekitike does really well to cut inside and his low shot is a bobbler that Perri can’t keep hold of. The loose ball drops to Wirtz but Leeds somehow clear. Much better from Liverpool.
Bright start from Leeds
It is the away side who have started the better at Anfield. Aaronson has been involved heavily and Nmecha is putting himself about up top and causing problems for Van Dijk and Co. as Leeds have Liverpool camped in their own half.
Liverpool lineup
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
Leeds lineup
Perri; Bornauw, Bijol, Struijk; Justin, Ampadu, Gruev, Stach, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Nmecha
Liverpool team news, focus
OUT: Alexander Isak (broken leg - MORE), Joe Gomez (muscular), Mohamed Salah (international duty - AFCON), Wataru Endo (knock), Giovanni Leoni (knee - MORE), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring)
Leeds United team news, focus
OUT: Joe Rodon (ankle), Sean Longstaff (calf), Daniel James (hamstring)
Liverpool vs Leeds preview
Liverpool have won three-straight Premier League matches as part of a six-match unbeaten run, and a win on Thursday would give Arne Slot’s men a minimum four-point advantage on fifth place. Leeds haven’t lost since November 29, winning twice and drawing three to finish the calendar year six points clear of the bottom three.
Daniel Farke’s men have been getting results despite some struggles at the back. They started their return to the Premier League with two clean sheets by Week 3 but are yet to hold another opponent without a goal.
Liverpool vs Leeds prediction
Ex-Everton man Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been poaching at a premium and would be thrilled to stick it to the Reds, but Leeds would also need a strong defensive showing and that seems an unlikely proposition. Liverpool 2-1 Leeds.
How to watch Liverpool vs Leeds live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 12:30pm ET Thursday
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
