LIVERPOOL LACKED the firepower to break down a much-changed Leeds in a 0-0 draw at Anfield that wasted a chance to solidify their place in the Premier League top four.
Arne Slot’s men are now nine games unbeaten, but were made to pay for the latest in a series of lacklustre performances in that run as Leeds comfortably held out to pull seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The visitors came closest to winning the game as Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired in late on, but was flagged offside.
A point edges Liverpool three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke had one eye on his side’s clash with fierce rivals Manchester United on Saturday as he left the in-form Calvert-Lewin on the bench among four changes.
Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the injured Alexander Isak.
The absence of the two top scorers in the Premier League last season was felt as the Reds rarely threatened to break the deadlock.
Advertisement
Hugo Ekitike wasted their best chance when he completely miscued his header from Jeremie Frimpong’s driven cross with the goal gaping midway through the first half.
Leeds’ six-game unbeaten run, which has hauled them clear of the relegation zone, has included two meetings with the Premier League champions.
In stark contrast to the 3-3 thriller between the sides just over three weeks ago, this time the defensive organisation of Daniel Farke’s men frustrated the Reds.
The visitors were inches away from taking all three points as Calvert-Lewin almost continued his goalscoring streak.
The former Everton striker had scored in his six previous games and poked past Alisson Becker 10 minutes from time, but had strayed marginally offside to be denied his first goal at Anfield.
Captain Tom Cairney of Fulham applauds the visiting fans. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Elsewhere, Tom Cairney’s fine equaliser for Fulham saw Crystal Palace’s winless streak extend to six matches in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Palace were bidding to avoid a fourth straight Premier League defeat, and Jean-Philippe Mateta handed his side the advantage when he opened the scoring in the 39th minute.
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez hit the post in the second half before Palace defender Maxence Lacroix saw Bernd Leno claw his header on to the crossbar.
However, Marco Silva’s side denied Palace a much-needed win when Cairney struck from the edge of the penalty area with 10 minutes remaining.
Dean Henderson then stopped the visitors from taking all three points in injury time when he produced a fine one-handed stop to deny Timothy Castagne from close range.
The stalemate in south London — which takes Palace and Fulham up to ninth and 10th respectively — was played out against the backdrop of Brennan Johnson closing in on his £35million (€40 million) transfer from Tottenham.
Johnson, deemed surplus to requirements by Spurs manager Thomas Frank, could complete his switch to Palace before the close of the week.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
67 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Liverpool left frustrated by Leeds
Premier League results:
LIVERPOOL LACKED the firepower to break down a much-changed Leeds in a 0-0 draw at Anfield that wasted a chance to solidify their place in the Premier League top four.
Arne Slot’s men are now nine games unbeaten, but were made to pay for the latest in a series of lacklustre performances in that run as Leeds comfortably held out to pull seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The visitors came closest to winning the game as Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired in late on, but was flagged offside.
A point edges Liverpool three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke had one eye on his side’s clash with fierce rivals Manchester United on Saturday as he left the in-form Calvert-Lewin on the bench among four changes.
Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the injured Alexander Isak.
The absence of the two top scorers in the Premier League last season was felt as the Reds rarely threatened to break the deadlock.
Hugo Ekitike wasted their best chance when he completely miscued his header from Jeremie Frimpong’s driven cross with the goal gaping midway through the first half.
Leeds’ six-game unbeaten run, which has hauled them clear of the relegation zone, has included two meetings with the Premier League champions.
In stark contrast to the 3-3 thriller between the sides just over three weeks ago, this time the defensive organisation of Daniel Farke’s men frustrated the Reds.
The visitors were inches away from taking all three points as Calvert-Lewin almost continued his goalscoring streak.
The former Everton striker had scored in his six previous games and poked past Alisson Becker 10 minutes from time, but had strayed marginally offside to be denied his first goal at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Tom Cairney’s fine equaliser for Fulham saw Crystal Palace’s winless streak extend to six matches in a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Palace were bidding to avoid a fourth straight Premier League defeat, and Jean-Philippe Mateta handed his side the advantage when he opened the scoring in the 39th minute.
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez hit the post in the second half before Palace defender Maxence Lacroix saw Bernd Leno claw his header on to the crossbar.
However, Marco Silva’s side denied Palace a much-needed win when Cairney struck from the edge of the penalty area with 10 minutes remaining.
Dean Henderson then stopped the visitors from taking all three points in injury time when he produced a fine one-handed stop to deny Timothy Castagne from close range.
The stalemate in south London — which takes Palace and Fulham up to ninth and 10th respectively — was played out against the backdrop of Brennan Johnson closing in on his £35million (€40 million) transfer from Tottenham.
Johnson, deemed surplus to requirements by Spurs manager Thomas Frank, could complete his switch to Palace before the close of the week.
Additional reporting by Press Association
– © AFP 2026
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
EPL Premier League Soccer Stalemate Leeds United Liverpool