Liverpool Legend Delivers Blunt Verdict on Draw with Leeds United
Liverpool’s unbeaten run continued, but the 0-0 draw with Leeds United left Anfield asking awkward questions about tempo, bite, and clarity under Arne Slot. Slot won the Premier League in 2024/25 and has brought more defensive order in his second season, yet supporters still want to see Liverpool impose themselves.
Former striker John Aldridge, never shy about standards, summed up the frustration after a flat afternoon.
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United leaves Anfield restless
Leeds arrived with discipline and legs, staying compact, pressing in spells, and trusting that Liverpool might slow the game down for them. Liverpool had plenty of the ball, yet too often it moved safely across the pitch rather than through Leeds.
The clearest openings were brief. Hugo Ekitike missed from close range, Jeremie Frimpong drove an effort that went astray, and visiting keeper Lucas Perri was rarely forced into a defining save. Leeds almost nicked it late on, only for Dominic Calvert Lewin to be flagged marginally offside.
John Aldridge critique targets performance and mood
Aldridge posted his verdict on X, and it cut because it echoed what many in the ground felt.
“Well that wasn’t good enough today,” Aldridge wrote, before adding, “the performance related to the atmosphere for me… both weren’t good enough by far.”
He then argued something deeper has slipped.
“It seems we’ve lost our DNA, no real drive desire and lack of ideas! At least we got a clean sheet.”
well that wasn't good enough today !!a fair result i have to say,the performance related to the atmosphere for me!!both weren't good enough by far.
It seems we've lost our dna no real drive desire and lack of ideas !!At least we got a clean sheet😩👍— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) January 1, 2026
Clean sheets matter, and Liverpool are harder to play through than they were a year ago, but they do not lift a stadium on their own when the attack looks short of rhythm and spontaneity.
Running stats underline Leeds United edge
The data backed the eye test. Leeds covered over four per cent more ground, and Liverpool’s walking percentage was higher. These numbers can be shaped by game state, but they also hint at a side that can drift into cruise control.
Possession was dominant, yet chances were not. Liverpool often received the ball facing their own goal, and the movement ahead was not sharp enough to unsettle Leeds. When that happens, the atmosphere follows the pattern of the play, quiet, then tense, then impatient.
Next steps for Liverpool under Arne Slot
Aldridge has raised similar points even after wins. After beating Tottenham he warned there was “lots and lots of work to be done,” and following the Wolves victory he said Liverpool “made it so hard for ourselves,” despite leading at half-time.
Liverpool are fourth with 33 points, and this was their first 0-0 in 117 matches. Slot’s task is to keep the defensive gains while restoring attacking urgency, quicker pressing triggers, more runners between the lines, and a clearer plan when opponents sit deep. If Liverpool find that balance, Anfield will sound like itself again, and Liverpool will look like themselves again too.
