Liverpool missed the chance to strengthen their Premier League top-four position as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Leeds United at Anfield.
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The Reds, missing Mohamed Salah due to the Africa Cup of Nations and the injured Alexander Isak, struggled to break down a well-organized Leeds defense. Hugo Ekitike squandered Liverpool’s clearest chance when he misfired a header from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross midway through the first half.
Leeds, making several changes ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Saturday, threatened late in the game as Dominic Calvert-Lewin appeared to score, only for the effort to be ruled offside. The former Everton striker had scored in his six previous matches and was denied his first Anfield goal by a narrow call.
Liverpool remain three points clear of Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, but the stalemate highlights a lack of attacking firepower in the absence of key scorers.
Leeds extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches, moving seven points above the relegation zone, with their defensive discipline frustrating Liverpool’s attempts to find a breakthrough.
