Liverpool and Leeds United clashed in a Premier League meeting at Anfield on January 1.
The Reds kicked off the day looking to secure a fourth straight league win under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s performances have been questionable in the last couple of weeks, but they have been helped out by facing a Tottenham side that got two players sent off, and a struggling Wolves team.
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Who was the most disappointing performer against Leeds?
Shocking display all round
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Leeds, however, headed into the fixture on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and were expected to prove a tough test.
Liverpool started the tie on the front foot and had the better of the chances in the first 45. But despite the best efforts of Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike, they went in at the break still level.
The Reds dropped off in the second half, and Slot made a number of changes to try and inspire some improvement in the final third.
Yet it wasn’t to be, and when all was said and done, Liverpool were lacklustre and forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.
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Slot confirmed his team news versus Leeds just over an hour prior to kick-off.
It was a depleted matchday squad, with senior figures like Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Joe Gomez missing for various reasons.
The number of young players on the bench, while good to see to some extent, once again highlighted the lack of depth in Slot’s squad right now.
It was reported late last month that Liverpool could have a quiet January transfer window.
However, given the number of games they are set to play in the coming months, eight in January alone, the team that faced Leeds showed that more quality, experienced depth should be signed if the Reds are once again going to start challenging at the very top of the table, because right now, they simply don’t have the team to do so.
Arne Slot and Daniel Farke prior to Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Federico Chiesa has no long-term Liverpool future
It has been a difficult stint for the Italian on Merseyside, especially in the 2025/26 season.
Fans wanted Federico Chiesa to be used better by Slot last month, and with a number of forwards absent, the winger was finally given a Premier League start against Wolves.
However, supporters U-turned on Chiesa after that outing, and he quickly lost his place this week.
Against Leeds, Slot opted to start right-back Jeremie Frimpong in his place alongside Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
One of the manager’s favoured players, Gakpo, was also named on the bench, making it clear that even without Mohamed Salah available, Chiesa remains far down the pecking order and, for his own career, should probably look to leave Liverpool this month.
Tell us how you REALLY feel about Arne Slot after Liverpool’s performance against Leeds United 😵💫
Arne Slot watches on during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Anfield.
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Arne Slot’s favoured midfield now clear
Amid personnel issues, Slot has been mixing up his front six players in the last several matches.
However, now he has more right-back options and has decided to try Frimpong as a winger; Dominik Szoboszlai has moved back into midfield.
The Hungarian has previously shone in this role and looks as though he will once again take Alexis Mac Allister’s role in the trio moving forward.
That would leave Salah, when he returns, and Frimpong competing on one wing, while Wirtz, Gakpo and the currently injured Isak vying to start off the left.
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