Liverpool raised the curtain on 2026 with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Anfield.
The Reds saw plenty of possession but lacked a cutting edge in the final third, although they were adamant they were denied a penalty in the first half. Arne Slot’s side stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches unbeaten but they’ll feel frustrated that a fifth successive victory was not delivered.
Match report
Liverpool dominated the ball for the majority of the first half but struggled to create any clear-cut chances.
On 14 minutes, the Reds were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty when Hugo Ekitike was being wrestled by Leeds defender Jaka Bijol but referee Chris Kavangh was not interested.
In the 33rd minute, Liverpool conjured their best opportunity when the lively Jeremie Frimpong’s cross found Ekitike inside the six-yard box but he got his header all wrong and his effort proved to be a clearance for the Whites.
The second half proved to be similar to the opening period as the home side again had issues breaking down Leeds. On the hour mark, Dominik Szoboszlai stung the palms of Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri from long range. And 10 minutes later, Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to putting Liverpool ahead but his header from a Szoboszlai corner went narrowly wide.
The visitors did start to threaten somewhat and Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he’d delivered a suckerpunch when finding the back of the net but was ruled offside. Liverpool regained their composure yet could not find their way through Leeds’ stubborn and resilient rearguard, with the spoils shared.
Liverpool player ratings vs Leeds
1. Alisson Becker - 6
Had to make one save in the first half when sparing his own blushes after a poor pass that gifted Leeds possession. Barely had anything to do after the break. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
2. Conor Bradley - 6
Gave away an early foul but soon settled down and showed some promising signs linking with Frimpong in the first half. Had a couple of efforts blocked in the second half and subbed in the 79th minute. | Getty Images
3. Ibrahima Konate - 8
Aerially dominant in the first half and threat the pass for Ekitike's penalty claim. Monstrous in the second period. | Getty Images
4. Virgil van Dijk - 7
Started a little sluggishly but soon got to grips in the first half. Sound after the break but will be disappointed he didn't score. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images