Leeds United stretched their unbeaten run to six games with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, making a positive start to 2026.
The point kept Daniel Farke’s side 16th in the Premier League and also marked a third consecutive away draw for the Whites.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
It was another calm and disciplined display from Leeds on Merseyside. They limited Liverpool’s attacking threat for long spells and created a couple of promising openings themselves, with the stalemate a fair reflection of the contest.
Liverpool vs Leeds United – Match stats comparison
Liverpool Statistic Leeds United
16 Shots 4
3 Shots on Target 2
66% Possession 34%
619 Passes 282
90% Pass Accuracy 69%
However, much of the post-match discussion centred on referee Chris Kavanagh, whose performance left Leeds feeling aggrieved over several key decisions. Despite that frustration, the result further underlined the progress the Whites have made in recent weeks, giving them a growing cushion above the relegation zone.
Daniel Farke was left fuming at the referee’s performance in the Leeds United vs Liverpool clash
Ethan Ampadu’s yellow card has emerged as the major bone of contention, as the Leeds captain will now miss the Manchester United clash on Sunday.
The Leeds manager insisted that it was never a yellow card, and he stressed that his team were not getting any decisions from Kavanagh in multiple instances
Farke also pointed out that he had no idea where he found six minutes of injury time and stressed that his players had to fight a lot of adversity to earn the point at Anfield.
Daniel Farke told reporters after the game at Anfield: “I have to calm myself down because I am still struggling to accept that.
“When I saw the first half, the foul situation against Anton Stach was not given. More or less instinctive free-kick, never a yellow card, and to give Ethan a yellow… I have to be a bit careful.
“Lots of adversity. I also don’t know where six minutes of added time are coming from. The lads concentrated on what they can influence. Ethan is a key player; we will miss him a lot.”
Read More: Leeds legend slams referee for missing a clear incident
Refereeing errors this season have become normal for Leeds
Leeds United have steadily pulled themselves clear of the relegation picture, but there is a growing feeling among supporters that the club could be sitting even higher in the table if officiating standards had been stronger.
There have been several flashpoints this season. Anthony Taylor required VAR intervention to identify what many felt was an obvious foul by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate on Wilfried Gnonto at Elland Road, a decision that initially went unnoticed on the pitch.
More recently, former Leeds striker Jermain Beckford criticised the entire officiating team after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied a penalty in the 1–1 draw with Brentford, branding the missed call a clear error.
While Farke remains encouraged by the progress his side have made over the course of the campaign, there is a sense that the Leeds head coach, and the fanbase, will be hoping for greater consistency and sharper decision-making from referees in matches involving the Whites.