Highlights, Man of the Match & Key Stats
Liverpool missed the chance to pull clear in the race for fourth place as they were held to a goalless draw by Leeds United at Anfield in their opening Premier League match of 2026.
Despite dominating possession and chances, Arne Slot’s side lacked a cutting edge, with a glaring Hugo Ekitike miss proving decisive. Leeds, meanwhile, left Merseyside with a valuable point in their fight for survival.
Match Summary
With fixtures piling up across the league, Leeds boss Daniel Farke made a surprise call by benching the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, citing the need to “protect” the injury-prone striker.
Calvert-Lewin watched on as Liverpool squandered a golden opportunity midway through the first half. Hugo Ekitike somehow headed the ball onto Lucas Perri from close range with the goal gaping — a miss that stunned Anfield.
Leeds grew in belief as the second half wore on. Calvert-Lewin was eventually introduced and even thought he had scored, only for the effort to be ruled out. In the end, the Whites were more than happy to accept a point — one that felt like two dropped for a wasteful Liverpool.
What It Means
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Liverpool remain fourth, now three points clear of Manchester United and Chelsea.
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Leeds United, sitting 16th, move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
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Liverpool’s four-game winning run comes to an underwhelming end.
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Leeds extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches.
Key Highlight
❌ Hugo Ekitike Horror Miss (33’)
Andy Robertson’s cross should have led to a simple tap-in. Instead, after Jeremie Frimpong recycled possession, Ekitike inexplicably headed the ball in the wrong direction from two yards out, striking Lucas Perri on the head. A huge let-off for Leeds.
Man of the Match Candidates
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Pascal Struijk (Leeds) – Dominant, composed, and ever-present at the back.
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Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) – Won all 10 of his duels (8 aerial, 2 ground) and made seven clearances in a commanding defensive display.
Match Stats
Possession:
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Liverpool 69% – 31% Leeds
Shots:
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Liverpool 19 – 4 Leeds
Shots on Target:
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Liverpool 4 – 2 Leeds
Corners:
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Liverpool 8 – 3 Leeds
Fouls:
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Liverpool 10 – 8 Leeds
