Liverpool Control Without Cutting Edge as Leeds Hold Out at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool 0–0 Leeds United

Liverpool opened the new year with more questions than answers as a flat 0–0 draw against Leeds United exposed the same attacking shortcomings that have plagued them throughout the campaign.

Control was never an issue. Incisiveness was. And by full time at Anfield, a frustrated home crowd had watched another opportunity slip away against opposition firmly entrenched in the relegation battle.

Photo by IMAGO

Early control, little threat

From the outset, Liverpool asserted territorial dominance, settling quickly into a familiar rhythm of sustained possession. The return of Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson added structure to the back line, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s inclusion gave Liverpool greater balance in midfield.

Jeremie Frimpong, pushed into an advanced role on the right, was Liverpool’s primary outlet. His pace and directness caused Leeds problems, particularly when combined with Bradley’s overlaps, but the final ball and movement inside the box rarely aligned.

Hugo Ekitike led the line effectively, linking play and drawing defenders out of position, and it was his hold-up work that created space for Florian Wirtz to test the Leeds defence early on. However, shots were either blocked, rushed, or comfortably dealt with.

Leeds’ biggest encouragement came not through design but error, as Alisson briefly gifted possession with a loose pass. Liverpool recovered quickly, but the moment served as a reminder that domination without a lead always carries risk.

By half-time, Liverpool had amassed the numbers expected of a home side in control. The scoreboard, however, remained stubbornly unchanged.

Pressure without punch

The second half followed a similar pattern. Liverpool circulated the ball patiently, probing from side to side, while Leeds retreated into an increasingly compact shape. Frimpong continued to be the most likely source of penetration, delivering several dangerous balls across the face of goal.

Ekitike came closest to breaking the deadlock after the interval, denied by a last-ditch block after finding space inside the penalty area. Moments later, Virgil van Dijk failed to capitalise on a free header from a corner, summing up Liverpool’s afternoon in front of goal.

Substitutions followed, with Alexis Mac Allister, Milos Kerkez, and Cody Gakpo introduced in an effort to increase tempo and variation. The changes altered personnel but not the rhythm. Liverpool continued to dominate possession but struggled to disrupt Leeds’ defensive organisation.

Anxiety grew when Leeds briefly found the net through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, only for the flag to intervene. It was a warning shot Liverpool failed to heed.

Late attacking changes, including Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, offered fresh legs but little clarity. The final stages were played almost entirely in Leeds territory, yet clear chances remained scarce.

A familiar Anfield frustration

Statistically, Liverpool will point to 69% possession and nearly two expected goals as evidence of control. In reality, the match once again highlighted a lack of creativity and urgency against a side content to defend deep and in numbers.

This was not a performance devoid of effort or organisation. It was one lacking sharpness, invention, and conviction. Against opponents Liverpool expect to beat, those shortcomings are becoming increasingly costly.

As the calendar turns, the challenge for Arne Slot is clear. Dominance alone is no longer enough.