A resolute Leeds United successfully stifled Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield, securing a valuable point in a match that highlighted the persistent limitations within the home side's recent resurgence. The 0-0 draw was the first of Arne Slot's 84-game reign, preserving both teams' unbeaten records but leaving only the visitors truly satisfied with their night's work.
Leeds' Tactical Discipline Pays Off
Daniel Farke's tactical setup proved decisive. The Leeds manager sprang a pre-match surprise by resting in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had netted seven times in his previous six appearances. Farke explained the decision was a precautionary measure, prioritising the player's long-term fitness over short-term gain. Lukas Nmecha deputised but struggled to make a significant impact during his 70 minutes on the pitch.
Leeds adopted a compact 3-5-2 formation with containment as the clear priority. Central defenders Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk were outstanding, forming an obdurate barrier that Liverpool struggled to penetrate. The hosts dominated possession, with Jeremie Frimpong particularly active on the right flank, but were largely reduced to speculative efforts from distance.
Liverpool's Frustration Grows
Liverpool's best opportunities fell to French striker Hugo Ekitiké. In the first half, he forced Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri into a sharp near-post save, with James Justin brilliantly clearing the rebound from Florian Wirtz. Ekitiké then spurned a golden chance, misdirecting a close-range header from a Frimpong cross with the goal gaping.
The striker was also involved in a penalty appeal after being held by Bijol as he raced onto a long Ibrahima Konaté pass. Ekitiké stayed on his feet and squared to Wirtz, whose shot was again blocked by the excellent Justin, with referee Chris Kavanagh waving away the protests.
Leeds' clearest opening came from a rare Liverpool error. Goalkeeper Alisson gifted the ball to Ethan Ampadu with a poor clearance, but the Brazilian redeemed himself by saving the midfielder's immediate shot. The stop secured a personal milestone for Alisson: his 100th Premier League clean sheet for Liverpool, placing him alongside club legends like Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar.
A Scrappy Conclusion and Key Absences
The match deteriorated into a fragmented affair, lacking quality and clear-cut chances. Slot introduced a triple substitution after 66 minutes in search of a spark. Virgil van Dijk came closest to breaking the deadlock, heading a Dominik Szoboszlai corner just wide of the top corner.
Substitute Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring streak late on, turning in a cross from close range, but the offside flag correctly cut short his celebrations. The result carried a significant cost for Leeds, as Ethan Ampadu's yellow card for handball means he will miss Sunday's crucial clash with Manchester United through suspension.
The final whistle was met with a smattering of boos from the Anfield faithful, a clear reflection of the frustration felt after a laboured performance that saw Liverpool's attacking momentum grind to a halt against a brilliantly organised Leeds United.
