Bitterly disappointed Arne Slot finds positive in Liverpool's 'difficult' Leeds draw

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Arne Slot

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was disappointed to see his side held to another draw against Leeds, although he was able to find a positive for his team in the goalless draw at Anfield

Arne Slot admitted to being disappointed with Liverpool's goalless draw with Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot admitted to being disappointed with Liverpool’s goalless draw with Leeds, although the Reds’ boss was at least happy to see his side keep a clean sheet.

A disappointing start to 2026 saw Liverpool fail to capitalize on Chelsea and Manchester United dropping points earlier in the week. Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike both went close to scoring, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a goal ruled out for offside for the visitors.

Ekitike was also denied a first-half penalty, despite being held by Jaka Bijol, but the hosts were ultimately made to rue a poor start to the New Year at Anfield.

It was the second time in less than a month that the Reds were held to a draw by Leeds, having also thrown away 2-0 and 3-2 leads at Elland Road at the start of December.

This was a much tamer affair, although Slot can at least be pleased to have seen his side keep the ball out of their own net, especially after set-piece coach Aaron Briggs left the club this week.

"Different because last time we conceded in extra-time, but the end result of both games is a draw and that's a disappointment,” Slot told Sky Sports after the game.

Hugo Ekitike reacts after Liverpool's goalless draw with Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

"Not the first time this season, from all the ball possession we have, we do generate chances, but I don't think it is enough or maybe it should be enough if you look at the xG, but we should be able to create more.

"We were very close with Virgil, but we didn't and this season multiple times we have conceded a goal in a game like this and that's a positive thing today.

"We kept a clean sheet and that's why we have a draw today."

Slot added while speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day: "You would like to start the year with a win but it was difficult.

“I don't think we were able to play many times through their low block. When we did we didn't have enough bodies in front of goal and others times we were unfortunate.

"If you look at football then you see two ways of unlocking a low block. You need pace, you need to be quick and dominate your one-on-one situations or you need a set-piece. We were close with a set-piece through Virgil (van Dijk) and close a few times with Jeremie (Frimpong) on one-on-ones.”