Leeds draw highlights extent of Liverpool progress and issues Arne Slot must still overcome

A 0-0 draw at Anfield was not the result fans had hoped to begin 2026 with. There were some positives for Liverpool and Arne Slot to take and even more to ponder

Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Leeds underlined the extent of the team's progress and areas that it must still improve

Liverpool couldn’t have provided two more contrasting performances against Leeds United this season.

The chaotic 3-3 draw at Elland Road last month was an exhilarating and dramatic encounter. The New Year's Day meeting on Merseyside was anything but. As it chased a winner, Liverpool managed one shot on target in the second half, while Leeds registered an expected goals (xG) of 0.0 between the 32nd and 91st minute.

A goalless stalemate was not the start anyone had envisaged for 2026, especially with Liverpool beginning to build some momentum in recent weeks. The underwhelming display at Anfield has by no means undone that good work, but supporters will rightly wonder whether Arne Slot’s side is ready to challenge for silverware in the second half of the competition.

Doubtless, the Premier League’s best would have found a way through Leeds' robust and well-structured defense. Those trudging out of Anfield knew Liverpool should have taken three points.

Yet, it could have been worse had Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal not been ruled out for offside. It’s the sort of setback that Liverpool has regularly experienced this season, and the ex-Evertonian wheeling away in celebration would surely have evoked memories of Eddie Nketiah, Estevao and Harry Maguire goals just weeks ago.

Instead, Liverpool came through with a point. That may not seem like a triumph, but it should be some measure of the Reds’ development.

Slot has made the team sturdier, more robust, and less porous. In simple terms, Liverpool is more difficult to beat now.

Liverpool was left frustrated by the 0-0 draw against Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

The drawback is that it often lacks offensively. It failed to score the goals needed to avoid nervy finishes against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, and struggled to break down Inter Milan and Sunderland before that. In none of those did the Reds manage to create over 2.0 xG.

At the heart of this is the dependence on a small number of players to create chances - a problem that dates back even to last season, when the team was heavily reliant on Mohamed Salah for moments of inspiration.

It was telling that against Leeds, an off night for Florian Wirtz meant Liverpool lacked a consistent attacking threat. Jeremie Frimpong did produce some bright moments, although Liverpool’s players don’t appear to be quite on his wavelength just yet, another recurring issue this season. Several of his crosses evaded teammates, one in particular, Hugo Ekitike misjudged and failed to properly connect with.

There are still many issues for Slot to sort in 2026(Image: Getty Images)

Wirtz's output will be key to the Reds’ chances of success in the second half of the season, certainly with Alexander Isak unavailable and Salah still at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Even incorporating the Egyptian into this narrower Liverpool side seems somewhat problematic. That’s before considering whether his Elland Road rant has quite been put to bed yet.

That’s where this team is at present. As one problem is solved, another seems to arise. Against Leeds, there were no opposition set-piece goals, Liverpool dealt well with the long balls and managed to dominate possession, and yet that was undone by the lack of incision.

Liverpool is progressing, and bumps in the road are expected as Slot continues to tinker with the formation, shape and playing patterns.

Ultimately, it is now unbeaten in eight matches and appears well-placed to secure a Champions League spot. To achieve that, Slot will need to ensure Liverpool’s evolution continues as planned. The Leeds double header shows how challenging that could be.