2026 has started on a frustrating note for Liverpool. The reigning Premier League champions were unable to extend their winning run, being held to a draw by Leeds United at Anfield.

The hosts looked the more likely side to break the deadlock before the interval. Florian Wirtz came agonisingly close after following up a strike from Hugo Ekitike, but failed to convert from close range. The pressure from the Reds continued to build, yet breaking down a well-organised Leeds defence proved a step too far for Arne Slot’s side. Ekitike himself missed a golden opportunity, heading wide from just a couple of metres out.

Leeds United emerged from the break with renewed confidence and tactical tweaks that significantly reduced Liverpool’s attacking threat. In fact, the visitors nearly snatched all three points late on. In the 82nd minute, Dominic Calvert-Lewin found the back of the net past Alisson Becker, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a tense VAR check.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Liverpool - Leeds United 0:0

Liverpool: Alisson; van Dijk; Konate; Robertson A. (Kerkez M., 66); Frimpong J. (Ngumoha, 84); Wirtz (Gakpo, 66); Szoboszlai; Bradley C. (Chiesa F., 79); Jones Cur. (Mac Allister A., 66); Gravenberch R.; Ekitike
Substitution: Kerkez M. (from 66); Mac Allister A. (from 66); Gakpo (from 66); Chiesa F. (from 79); Ngumoha (from 84)
Bench: Mamardashvili; Ramsay C.; Omoruyi; Nyoni

Leeds United: Perri; Gudmundsson G.; Struijk; Bijol; Bornauw (Bogle, 83); Justin; Stach; Gruev (Tanaka A., 92); Ampadu; Aaronson (Okafor, 70); Nmecha L. (Calvert-Lewin, 70)
Substitution: Calvert-Lewin (from 70); Okafor (from 70); Bogle (from 83); Tanaka A. (from 92)
Bench: Darlow; Byram; Harrison; Piroe; Gnonto
Yellow Cards: Ampadu 61; Bijol 62