New Year's Eve hangover at Anfield: Reds share spoils with Leeds to open 2026
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 01.01.26. | 22:40
Arne Slot's men have to settle with a disappointing goalless draw, and it could have easily ended in the visitors' win
Ekitike was inspired, Frimpong was all over the place, Wirtz danced around the rival's box... but, all in all, it was a lousy start to 2026 for Liverpool as they drew to Leeds United on Thursday night (0-0).
The first Anfield game of the year on the first day of the new year brought another disappointment for the Reds. Instead of seriously reducing the gap to the third-placed Aston Villa to just four points, the defending champions found themselves unable to break Daniel Farke's consistent and disciplined defensive wall.
Leeds frustrate Liverpool again ✋ forcing a second draw this season as both sides extend their unbeaten Premier League runs. pic.twitter.com/wYFfCfxkmv
— XActivist-Jerry💫 (@XActivistJerry) January 1, 2026
In a game without much real action, the home side dominated the match in terms of ball possession, but couldn't find the way to create clear-cut chances, let alone find the back of the net. Ekitike and Wirtz had their fair share of opportunities in the first half, but it stayed 0-0 on the scoreboard.
The packed Anfield didn't seem to bother the visitors, who were patiently waiting for their chances on the counter, especially after Farke subbed on unplayable Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had scored seven goals in the previous six Premier League games in a row. The potential Three Lions' striker in the upcoming World Cup netted even tonight, ten minutes before the end. Still, his immaculate finishing was scrapped off because of the narrow offside he pushed himself into a few seconds prior.
Calvert Lewin offside goal pic.twitter.com/AJm73Nd6YE
— F N T (@FootyNTalk) January 1, 2026
A sigh of relief was heard at Anfield in those moments, and probably some of the home fans thought that could be a game-changer, a chance for their heroes to strike back and grab a much-needed victory. Alas, Chiesa and Ekitike were nowhere near the target as the new year recreated some of the old misery for the current EPL champions.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 19
Tuesday
Burnley - Newcastle 1-3 (1-2)
/Laurent 23 - Joelinton 2, Wissa 7, Guimaraes 90+3/
Chelsea - Bournemouth 2-2 (2-2)
/Palmer 15 pen, Fernandez 23 - Brooks 6, Kluivert 27/
Nott. Forest - Everton 0-2 (0-1)
/Garner 19, Barry 79/
West Ham - Brighton 2-2 (2-1)
/Bowen 10, Paqueta 45+4 pen - Welbeck 32 pen, Veltman 61/
Arsenal - Aston Villa 4-1 (0-0)
/Gabriel 48, Zubimendi 52, Trossard 69, Jesus 78 - Watkins 90+4
Man. Utd - Wolverhampton 1-1 (1-1)
/Zirkzee 27 - Krejci 45/
Thursday
Crystal Palace - Fulham 1-1 (1-0)
/Mateta 39 - Cairney 80/
Liverpool - Leeds United 0-0
23.00: (2.35) Brentford (3.40) Tottenham (3.00)
23.00: (7.25) Sunderland (4.40) Man.City (1.45)
***odds are subject to change***
