Leeds United claimed a vital point at Anfield on New Years Day, holding Liverpool to a 0-0 draw, and extending their unbeaten run to six games. Despite the hosts dominating possession, they never threatened much, and Daniel Farke’s side looked comfortable throughout. Remarkably, this was the first goalless draw under Arne Slot's tenure; his 84th time in charge of the Reds.

James Justin (for Jayden Bogle) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (for the injured Rodon) were drafted into the Leeds defence for what many believed would be a baptism of fire, but the pair were faultless, rarely putting a foot wrong. With Lucas Nmecha fit again, Farke rested Dominic Calvert-Lewin, confining his leading scorer to the bench, to come on as an impact sub. Ilia Gruev received a rare start too, in a five man midfield, (if you take the wing-backs into consideration).

Leeds shot stopper Lucas Perri barely had to dive or deflect a shot. Instead, Leeds soaked up pressure well, showing the same defensive solidity that’s kept them unbeaten since November 29. Even when the home crowd roared for a penalty after Ekitike eventually went down under a clumsy tackle by Jaka Bijol , VAR for once came to Leeds rescue. Offensively, the Whites weren’t overly adventurous, but they showed a dangerous edge on the break.

Calvert-Lewin came on in the 62nd minute and nearly stole all three points when he cleverly turned inside the box and slotted past Alisson in the 81st, but the lineman’s flag cut short what would have been a dramatic late winner. That near miss didn’t spoil the evening for Leeds fans, though. Several months ago, If you told Leeds fans that come January they would be seven points clear of the drop zone, they would not have believed you.

Were Liverpool under par? Yes. There are indigenous tribes, as yet undiscovered by western civilisation, living in the Amazon Rainforest who would have provided better attacking prowess than the reigning Champions. But let's not take anything from the Leeds display. Farke went to Anfield to get a point, and his plan was executed perfectly. Furthermore, to claw his way out of trouble, when his position looked untenable just seven weeks ago deserves kudos. The gaffer is now getting the most out of his players; something I never thought I'd say. Long may it continue.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Perri, Lucas Goalkeeper			6.2
	24	Justin, James Defender			★8.6
	3	Gudmundsson, Gabriel Defender			7.2
	23	Bornauw, Sebastiaan Defender			7.9
	15	Bijol, Jaka Defender			7.9
	5	Struijk, Pascal Defender			8.4
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder			7.6
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder			7.2
	18	Stach, Anton Midfielder			7.1
	11	Aaronson, Brenden Midfielder			6.2
	14	Nmecha, Lukas Forward			5.4
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	9	Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Forward			6.8
	19	Okafor, Noah Midfielder			6.2
	2	Bogle, Jayden Defender
	22	Tanaka, Ao Midfielder
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	25	Byram, Sam Defender		Unused Sub
	20	Harrison, Jack Midfielder		Unused Sub
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder		Unused Sub
	10	Piroe, Joel Forward		Unused Sub