A toothless Liverpool performance saw every starter earn a 6/10 rating as Leeds United successfully stifled the Reds in a forgettable 0-0 draw.
Liverpool ushered in 2026 with a lackluster performance at Anfield, failing to break down a resolute Leeds United defense.
Despite maintaining an eight-game unbeaten streak and keeping their place in the top four, Arne Slot’s men lacked the creative spark required to secure three points.
The match was defined by a congested midfield and a lack of clinical finishing, leaving the home crowd frustrated on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker (6):
The Brazilian shot-stopper had an incredibly quiet evening, largely acting as a spectator. His only notable moment was a self-inflicted scare when a casual outside-of-the-foot pass gifted the ball to Ethan Ampadu, though he recovered easily to save the resulting shot.
Conor Bradley (6):
Operating on the right flank, Bradley showed early signs of a promising partnership with Frimpong. He began the second half with intent, making several overlapping runs, but his influence waned as the game progressed, leading to his eventual substitution.
Ibrahima Konate (6):
A solid if untested display from the Frenchman. He demonstrated good positional awareness to snuff out Leeds’ rare counter-attacks in the first half and focused on keeping his passing simple and effective to maintain possession.
Virgil van Dijk (6):
The captain faced a physical battle against Nmecha and later dealt comfortably with the aerial threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. While he was aerially dominant, he was unable to direct a late corner on target to snatch a winner.
Andy Robertson (6):
Returning to the starting lineup, the Scotsman looked slightly off the pace initially. However, he delivered several dangerous crosses into the box that his teammates failed to capitalize on before he was replaced mid-way through the second half.
Ryan Gravenberch (6):
The midfielder was heavily involved in the first half but struggled with his final ball. As Leeds sat deeper after the interval, his attempts to unlock the defense with clever flicks and touches often fell short in a crowded central area.
Curtis Jones (6):
Jones showed great strength in possession during the first 45 minutes, constantly trying to drive the team forward. However, his accuracy dipped in the second half, and he appeared to be tiring physically before being withdrawn.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6):
Making his return to the side, the Hungarian international looked a yard slow in the opening period. He improved after the break, testing the Leeds goalkeeper with a powerful long-range effort, but couldn’t find the decisive pass.
Jeremie Frimpong (6):
The most energetic of Liverpool’s attackers, Frimpong used his blistering pace to reach the byline consistently. While his crossing was a constant threat, he looked less comfortable when asked to drop back into a defensive role late in the game.
Florian Wirtz (6):
The playmaker had one significant opportunity blocked following a neat exchange, but he struggled to exert his usual influence on the game. He appeared visibly fatigued as the second half wore on and was substituted in the 66th minute.
Hugo Ekitike (5):
The striker worked hard to link play, setting up Wirtz for a chance and narrowly missing a connection on a cross from the right. He found sights of goal limited in the second half, eventually dragging one of his few clear openings wide of the post.
The Substitutes
Milos Kerkez (6): Replaced Robertson and showed plenty of energy, though his decision-making was occasionally erratic.
Cody Gakpo (6): Introduced to provide a goal threat but found himself marginalized by Leeds’ deep defensive block.
Alexis Mac Allister (6): Brought on to provide composure in midfield, though he was sometimes guilty of overplaying the ball.
Federico Chiesa (N/A): Injected some late dynamism on the right wing but had limited time to change the outcome.
Rio Ngumoha (N/A): A very late cameo for the highly-rated teenager.