Liverpool’s top four hopes took another dent as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a dogged Leeds United at Anfield. The Reds, missing their star firepower, huffed and puffed but couldn’t break down a resolute Leeds side who’ll be far happier with the point.
Arne Slot’s men are now nine unbeaten, but this was the latest in a string of flat performances. They lacked any real spark, and Leeds, who made four changes with one eye on Saturday’s clash with Manchester United, were well worth their share of the spoils. The visitors even came closest to nicking it late on.
“We had the control but not the cutting edge,” admitted a terse Slot after the game. “When you don’t take your moments, you leave the door open. It’s two points dropped, no question.” His opposite number, Daniel Farke, was beaming: “A brilliant point. The character, the organisation, top class. We showed we can scrap with the best.”
The stats tell a sorry tale for the Reds. They managed just two shots on target all night. Their best chance fell to Hugo Ekitike, who somehow miscued a free header from six yards out. With Mo Salah still at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak injured, the absence of last season’s two top scorers was painfully obvious.
At the other end, Leeds’ six game unbeaten run continues. They’ve now taken points off the champions twice in that spell. Dominic Calvert Lewin, a second half sub, thought he’d won it ten minutes from time, slotting past Alisson, only to be flagged offside by the tightest of margins. It would’ve been a seventh goal in seven games for the in form striker.
So where does this leave the table? Liverpool edge three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United, but they’ve played a game more. The momentum has stalled. For Leeds, this is a massive result pulling seven points clear of the drop zone ahead of that huge derby with United at the weekend. For Liverpool, the questions are mounting. The unbeaten run looks good on paper, but the performances are starting to worry the Kop. Up next? A tricky trip to Aston Villa. They’ll need to find their shooting boots, and fast.
