Leeds United mute New Year festivities at Anfield to move SEVEN clear of relegation

Last Updated on 1 January 2026

Daniel Farke’s side rocked up to the home of the champions with their star striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the bench. Despite the obvious disadvantage with Calvert-Lewin in sensational form, Leeds came away from Anfield with a priceless point.

For Arne Slot and Liverpool, it was a toothless display. A timid display from Florian Wirtz and a couple of decent chances missed by Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike did not help.

But Leeds will be delighted with that result. They open up daylight between themselves and West Ham in 18th. It’s an ode to the brilliant job that Daniel Farke is doing at Elland Road.

Leeds United pull away from the relegation zone with a big point at Anfield

It was a rather comfortable performance for Leeds, who, for the second time in less than a month, picked two crucial points off of the champions, Liverpool.

Apart from a clever move from Jeremie Frimpong that saw Ekitike miss an open goal, Leeds did not give up any clear-cut opportunities. Van Dijk headed wide from a corner in the second half but it was the away side that put the goal in the back of the net late on.

Unfortunately for Farke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was judged to be offside. But that disappointment aside, Leeds will be thrilled with that performance. Farke got to rest some of his big guns, too, ahead of another big game, this time against Manchester United at home.

That point is significant as far as the Peacocks are concerned. West Ham were held to a 2-2 draw against Brighton while Burnley suffered another defeat. This means Leeds edge closer to the safe line. But there’s still half a season to go.

Either way, Farke has silenced his critics. He was the favorite to get the sack at one point, this season.

Leeds United on the third-longest unbeaten run in the Premier League

For a promoted side, any kind of an unbeaten run is priceless in the Premier League. But to do it in the busy packed festive schedule is very impressive.

Especially when you factor in the games the Peacocks had to play in that time. Since their heartbreaking loss to Manchester City in the backend of November, Leeds have not lost a Premier League game.

In that time, they have beaten Chelsea at Elland Road, gotten two draws against the defending champions, Liverpool, and hit Crystal Palace for four. And their latest result at Anfield was also their first away cleansheet of the season and first since August!

With that kind of form, it’s no wonder Farke had one eye on the big home fixture against Manchester United ahead of Liverpool. He rested the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Ao Tanaka and Noah Okafor.

With Elland Road rocking, Leeds are very much capable of causing another upset, this time against rivals, Manchester United.