Liverpool’s start to 2026 was a flat and ineffective performance against Leeds United overall, leaving fans frustrated on just the first day of the new year.
The Reds failed to get a win or even a goal on the board to kickstart the year in style, as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield. This is the first time Liverpool have played out a goalless result since a stalemate with Manchester United in December 2023.
Liverpool remain fourth in the Premier League table but their draw sees the gap between them and leaders Arsenal stretch once again.
Frustrations bubbling for Liverpool once again
Supporters and professionals alike have aired their thoughts on Liverpool’s display, with little praise dished out. James Pearce described the performance as a ‘tough watch’ of overall ‘poor’ standard.
“Signs of promise in the first half but the second half performance was so poor. Littered with errors. Created next to nothing,” the Athletic reporter wrote on social media.
Fans have also restarted debates over Arne Slot’s ability to take this team forward. Many have taken to social media following the latest result and are calling for him to be replaced. Some have even started to refer to him as the ‘Dutch Brendan Rodgers’, comparing his current playing style to the infamous negative traits of the former manager.
Jeremie Frimpong provides glimmer of hope vs Leeds United
While there was a lot to dissect that went wrong for Liverpool, one small positive takeaway is the shift Jeremie Frimpong put in while operating in a more attacking role.
With Conor Bradley at right-back, Frimpong started further forward and enjoyed a strong, promising first half. The summer signing was in fact the only Liverpool player to create a big goal-scoring opportunity during the game, according to FotMob, who have him a 6.9/10 for his efforts.
Frimpong seriously impressed with his pace down the wing, which created a threat for the Reds. While no chances came to fruition, it’s given fans some food for thought moving forwards, as he has played most of his games at right-back this season.
Liverpool are on the market for a new right-winger to eventually replace Mohamed Salah full-time. Having Frimpong at their disposal in this position will be a huge positive for the Reds.
Slot already revealed he sees a right-winger in Frimpong, which was part of the reason Liverpool opted to sign him. With Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, he is unavailable for the Reds right now. Egypt have reached the round of 16 and if they make it all the way to the final, Salah will be in Morocco until January 18th.
Frimpong has spent most of his maiden season injured but has now got fans admiring his pace and ability to drive play forwards from a more attacking role.
“We brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back, but I also feel that he can play as a right winger,” Slot said after the 25-year-old joined the club.
“Signing Jeremie was for multiple reasons but one of them was that he could replace Mo, if Mo is not there. There are other options as well but Jeremie is definitely one of them.”