Liverpool endured a frustrating start to the new year as it dropped points at home against relegation-threatened Leeds United, a result which means it maintains its three-point gap to fifth place
19:25, 01 Jan 2026Updated 20:29, 01 Jan 2026
Hugo Ekitike impressed in Liverpool’s frustrating draw against Leeds
Liverpool’s new year festivities did not go to plan, as the Reds began 2026 with an underwhelming display at home, as the champions failed to find a way past Leeds United.
The Reds, who have made a habit of making seemingly straightforward tasks look particularly difficult of late, dominated possession against a well-organized Leeds side that flooded the center of the field. That limited Liverpool’s creative spark, and ensured it was a turgid, uninspiring game to begin the new year. It could have been worse, had the offside flag not ruled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal.
The 0-0 draw extends Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight games, but Arne Slot’s side will be frustrated not to increase the gap to fifth place after Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points on Tuesday. Here’s how we rated the players.
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Leeds’ well-earned point means it now sits seven points clear of the relegation places, and has now gone six league games without defeat. Meanwhile, United and Chelsea will be delighted to see Liverpool drop points as the race for the Champions League places begins to take shape.
Losers
Of all Liverpool’s underperforming players, Florian Wirtz was perhaps the biggest disappointment. That he was hooked with a quarter of the game still to play tells its own story. Andy Robertson also failed to take his chance after coming in for a rare starting berth in place of Milos Kerkez.
Florian Wirtz had a disappointing game against LeedsPlayer ratings
Alisson (6) Was nearly caught out by a sloppy pass that Ethan Ampadu intercepted, but thankfully fired right at the Liverpool no.1. That was one of the few saves he had to make, however, in a quiet evening at Anfield.
Conor Bradley (6) Made several defensive contributions from right-back and habitually looked to drive down the line when in possession. The defender also linked well with Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing.
Ibrahima Konate (7) Played some dangerous long balls in behind, one of which created an early scoring chance for Hugo Ekitike. The center-back continued his recent upturn in form.
Virgil van Dijk (7) Commanding and composed as usual. The captain won most aerial duels and nearly headed in the opening goal in the 70th minute. He also dealt well with Leeds’ late chances.
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Andy Robertson (5) Underwhelming from the Scotland captain, who came in for his first league start since early December. He didn’t provide much of an attacking threat down the left and misplaced a few passes.
Ryan Gravenberch (6) Helped Liverpool advance on the ball and managed to skilfully wriggle out of several sticky situations, but wasn’t at his best.
Curtis Jones (5) Moved the ball well from a deeper role, but offered little penetration. It was no surprise to see Jones replaced in the second half as Liverpool pushed for the opening goal.
Jeremie Frimpong (7) A constant nuisance on the right wing with his direct, rapid running and powerful crosses into the area. Ekitike should have converted one such ball in the first half.
Jeremie Frimpong impressed for Liverpool against Leeds in a more advanced role
Dominik Szoboszlai (6) Playing in a no.10 role, he Hungarian put in a typically energetic display, but he lacked the quality on the ball that fans have grown used to. He did sting the palms of Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri with a powerful strike on the hour mark, but that was the height of it.
Florian Wirtz (5) Didn’t influence the game to the same extent as in recent weeks. Wirtz regularly got on the ball and tried to make things happen, but struggled to find a way through Leeds’ compact middle. He was replaced in the 67th minute as part of a triple Liverpool change.
Hugo Ekitike (7) Twice tested Perri with left-foot shots inside the first 10 minutes. The forward also saw a dangerous curled effort fly over in the second half, and Ekitike did carry a threat throughout. He also was effective when dribbling with the ball from deep. The Frenchman saw a weak penalty appeal turned down after 14 minutes, and at times he did cut a frustrated figure.
Substitutes
Milos Kerkez (5) Found it difficult to get involved and offered little going forward.
Alexis Mac Allister (6) Played some nice passes and carried more of a threat than Jones.
Cody Gakpo (6) Saw a dangerous effort blocked but didn’t provide a telling impact during his cameo.
Federico Chiesa (5) Had a penalty claim turned down in his 10-minute showing off the bench.
Rio Ngumoha (N/A)