As the Reds drew 0-0 at home to Leeds on New Year’s Day, Liverpool failed to score in a game for the first time since an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in November. They had chances to put some distance between themselves and Chelsea, who were without a manager, but were unable to capitalize on the drab nature of the game at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike had the best chance of the game, connecting with a strong cross inside six yards of his own half and firing the ball the other way. However, Arne Slott’s side failed to create enough chances to trouble the Leeds defense and were given a second-half reprieve when off-the-bench Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal was ruled out for chalk for offside. Here, Express Sport takes a look at how Liverpool’s players fared…
Liverpool vs. Leeds player ratings (4-3-3)
goalkeeper
Alison – 5
His sloppy pass went to Ethan Ampadu in the 31st minute and almost gave him a goal, but the midfielder was unable to punish Alisson.
defense
Connor Bradley – 6
Although they defended well, they were unable to make a big impact on Leeds going forward. With Mohamed Salah returning from the African Cup of Nations and Jeremy Frimpong also in contention to play at right-back, he may struggle to hold on to his place.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
He made some important interceptions, but will probably be grateful he didn’t have to deal with the threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin for more than 20 minutes.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
They’re solid enough, but they’ll want more from the players in front of them. After the 70th minute, he missed a free header in the corner.
Andy Robertson – 6
Milos Kerkez’s form improved and he was given a chance to impress once again, but the Scot was unable to repeat the attacking impact that made him famous in previous seasons in the Premier League.
midfield
Ryan Gravenbirch – 7
He showed a stable performance and achieved good results against Leeds’ midfield three and two strikers.
Curtis Jones – 6
There were some great flicks, but he never really proved his authority over the game. Alexis Mac Allister came off the bench after an hour.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Although he was given a break after being suspended, he was unable to return with full energy. It was a rare off night for Liverpool’s top performer this season.
attack
Jeremy Frimpong – 7
A live-wire player on the right could create as many chances for Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold once did, but in a completely different way. He played in front of Conor Bradley today and will be an exciting new addition to Arne Slott’s right-back attack in the future.
Hugo Ekitike – 7
He was very active, keen to drop deep and get involved and use his best dribbling ability as a tall striker. He was hit with a header from close range, but it was probably a shame that he couldn’t convert it into the back of the goal.
Florian Wirtz – 5
The German international’s performance was quite underwhelming considering his form has improved tenfold in recent weeks. The attack on the left had all but stopped and the link-up with Andy Robertson was not at the same level as the developing relationship between Wirtz and Kerkez. The subtitles were turned off after an hour.
substitute
Alexis Mac Allister (66′) – 6
Things were going well, but they were unable to break down Leeds’ defense.
Milos Kerkes (66′) – 6
He has been active off the bench and is likely to return to the starting lineup against Fulham on Sunday.
Kodi Gakpo (66′) – 6
His outspoken personality was a welcome boost off the bench.
Federico Chiesa (79′) – 6
His arrival forced Frimpong to play at right-back, but he did not have the impact he had hoped for in the final 15 minutes.
Ryo Ngmoha (84′) – 7
There were some very exciting touches in stoppage time.
