Liverpool's New Year's Day encounter with Leeds United at Anfield concluded in a frustrating stalemate, bringing an end to Arne Slot's remarkable run without a goalless match.
The 0-0 result marked the first time in 84 matches under the Dutch manager that his side failed to find the net.
This disappointing outcome halted a sequence of four consecutive victories across all competitions for the Reds.
Liverpool now sit fourth in the Premier League standings on 33 points from 19 fixtures, trailing leaders Arsenal by a substantial 12-point margin.
Hugo Ekitike missed from a yard out that might have secured Liverpool all three points
|REUTERS
The draw also ended Liverpool's impressive 20-match scoring streak against their Yorkshire opponents in head-to-head meetings.
The most glaring opportunity fell to Hugo Ekitike, whose astonishing miss will haunt Liverpool supporters.
Jeremie Frimpong delivered a powerful left-footed effort that found the French striker at the far post, yet from barely a yard out, Ekitike inexplicably directed his header away from goal rather than into an empty net.
It was, quite simply, harder to miss than score.
Earlier in the half, Ekitike had appeals for a penalty waved away when Jaka Bijol appeared to impede him.
Daniel Farke's side were resilient in defence against Liverpool
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Captain Virgil van Dijk also squandered a presentable opportunity in the second period, nodding a corner kick wide of Lucas Perri's goal.
Daniel Farke opted to keep his prolific striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the bench initially, preserving him ahead of Leeds' upcoming fixture against Manchester United at Elland Road.
The former Everton forward had netted seven times in his previous six outings, making his introduction from the substitutes' bench all the more significant.
Calvert-Lewin nearly proved the match-winner when he latched onto Noah Okafor's pass in the 81st minute, turning smartly before lifting the ball over the advancing Alisson.
Anfield fell momentarily silent as the ball nestled in the net.
However, the celebrations were swiftly curtailed when officials ruled the striker marginally offside.
How has Hugo Ekitike missed from there? 🫨 pic.twitter.com/DwipZpyOXF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2026
Leeds departed Merseyside with a valuable point that extends their unbeaten sequence to six matches, having avoided defeat since November.
Farke's side now occupy 16th position with 21 points, maintaining a comfortable seven-point cushion above the relegation places.
Their sole away triumph this campaign came against Wolves, yet this resolute defensive display demonstrated their growing resilience.
Liverpool could not break down Leeds' defence
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Defender James Justin spoke to Sky Sports following the final whistle: "A good battle and they're a great side. Today, we did a good job collectively, so a pat on the back for us.
"There was a lot of emphasis going on a few days before the game, trying out different shapes with different players. Luckily, today, we chose the right tactic."