Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Leeds United, leaving manager Arne Slot likely considering dropping one of his underperforming players. This continued their struggles against the Peacocks, following last month’s 3-3 draw at Elland Road.
The Reds had appeared to be regaining form, having won three consecutive games to end the year, but they were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Leeds defense at Anfield, leaving Slot puzzled. Virgil van Dijk came closest to scoring in the 69th minute with a header that narrowly missed Lucas Perri’s goal.
This was only the second league game this season in which Liverpool failed to score, with one attacker notably off the pace.
Florian Wirtz’s Struggles Continue
Fans had hoped Florian Wirtz had turned a corner after scoring his first goal for Liverpool in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Wolverhampton, but his performance against Leeds suggested otherwise.
Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million, the German forward has faced heavy scrutiny and has struggled to meet expectations.
Wirtz squandered a first-half chance, shot wide, and lost possession during another attack. Overall, he mismanaged possession 15 times and won only one of three tackles. Though only 22, and full of potential, he remains inconsistent, prompting Slot to replace him with Cody Gakpo in the 66th minute.
Fan Backlash
Supporters were quick to criticize Wirtz, calling his display “shocking.” Some mocked him, suggesting he might have been hungover or distracted by New Year celebrations, reflecting the frustration over his ongoing struggles at Anfield. Slot’s original plan to make Wirtz a central figure in the team now seems difficult given his current form.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool will next visit Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Sunday, January 4th, sitting fourth in the Premier League, five points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea in the race for the top four.
