It was a night of missed chances, defensive grit, and a result that left both sides with mixed feelings as Liverpool and Leeds United played out a goalless draw at Anfield on January 1, 2026. In a match that saw Liverpool dominate possession but struggle to break down a resilient Leeds defense, the Premier League’s new year kicked off with tension, drama, and a fair share of frustration for the home crowd.
The headlines before kickoff centered on Liverpool’s recent unbeaten run and Leeds’ steady climb away from the relegation zone. With both teams eager to set the tone for 2026, anticipation was high at Anfield. Yet, as the final whistle blew, it was the defenders who stole the show, and the attackers who left wondering what might have been.
Liverpool, under the stewardship of Arne Slot since the summer of 2024, had not seen a single goalless draw in 84 matches. That streak came to an abrupt end as Leeds, marshaled by a superb Jaka Bijol, held firm despite relentless pressure. Slot’s side controlled 68% of the ball, yet rarely forced Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri into meaningful action. The frustration was palpable, both on the pitch and in the stands, as the Anfield faithful—accustomed to thrilling attacking displays—were treated to a more subdued affair.
Perhaps the most glaring moment of the night came courtesy of Hugo Ekitike. In the first half, Jeremie Frimpong unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that rebounded perfectly for Ekitike, who found himself just a yard from an open goal. Somehow, the Liverpool forward managed to head the ball away from the target—an effort that left fans and teammates alike in disbelief. It was, as some would say, harder to miss than to score.
"Bar the Ekitike chance, they hardly created anything of note and it was a tepid start to the new year for those at Anfield," observed one analyst. The lack of urgency from Liverpool was evident, as they appeared content to keep the ball but lacked the spark to unlock Leeds’ disciplined backline.
Leeds, for their part, arrived at Anfield on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak, and manager Daniel Farke opted to rest in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had notched seven goals in his previous six matches. Farke’s decision to hold Calvert-Lewin in reserve nearly paid off in dramatic fashion. Introduced as a substitute in the second half, Calvert-Lewin thought he had snatched a late winner in the 81st minute, turning smartly and finishing past Alisson. But the celebrations were short-lived—the former Everton man was ruled offside by the narrowest of margins.
Leeds’ defensive organization was epitomized by Jaka Bijol, who was immense throughout the evening. Speaking to the press after the match, Bijol highlighted the camaraderie and determination within the squad. "For sure it was a really good team performance," the Slovenian international said. "I feel like we connected really well as a group and everyone gave 100 per cent. I feel the draw was a really good result. Anyways, here today, maybe we had some situations [to win it]. We had some situations, of course, that you can score from but also Liverpool had that. So, at the end, I think that we have to be satisfied with the point and just look onto the Manchester United game."
Bijol’s words echoed the mood among the Leeds camp. The team’s unity and spirit have been key to their recent resurgence, as they extended their unbeaten run to six matches and pulled seven points clear of the relegation zone. "I think that everyone in the team really deserves to play. Honestly, it is such a group that everyone on the training ground always gives their best and waits for their chance. Of course, only 11 can play but when they get it, they are here and they show their quality. I am really just really proud of everyone in the group," Bijol added.
For Liverpool, the draw moves them to 33 points from 19 games, sitting fourth in the Premier League and three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea. While the result extends their unbeaten run to eight games, questions linger about their attacking sharpness and ability to break down resolute opponents. The home crowd, so used to the fireworks of previous seasons, voiced their disappointment with a smattering of boos at full-time—a rare sound at Anfield in recent years.
Slot, who has been credited with steadying the ship after a rocky spell earlier in the campaign, will take solace in the clean sheet—their first 0-0 in 117 matches across all competitions since December 2023. Yet, the lack of cutting edge remains a concern as Liverpool look to keep pace with the league’s frontrunners.
Leeds, meanwhile, can take plenty of positives from their display. Even with Liverpool dominating the ball, Farke’s men looked comfortable for long stretches and could easily have left with all three points. Ethan Ampadu, a key figure in midfield, will miss the upcoming clash with Manchester United after picking up his fifth booking of the season—a blow for Leeds as they prepare for another stern test at Elland Road.
Reflecting on the performance, Bijol looked ahead with optimism. "We are ready for it but we have to focus on ourselves. If we focus on that, I think our performance is going to be good. At the end, that brings the result. We really just keep improving, I feel like. I think that we deserve the clean sheet like already some games before, but it came today on a really tough ground. We just have to continue working and keep improving every week. The next game is in three days now already and we just have to recover good and to be ready for them."
For Leeds supporters, the draw at Anfield is another sign that their club is finding its feet in the Premier League. After a 3-3 thriller against Liverpool at Elland Road in December, Farke’s side have now gone unbeaten in both meetings with the reigning champions this season. The belief among players and fans alike is growing, and with Manchester United next up, excitement is building in West Yorkshire.
As the dust settles on a chilly January night at Anfield, both Liverpool and Leeds will look to build on the positives. For Slot and his men, rediscovering their attacking verve will be top of the agenda. For Farke’s Leeds, the focus shifts to maintaining their momentum and solidifying their place in the top flight. The Premier League’s new year has begun, and the drama shows no sign of slowing down.
