Liverpool: ‘Heavy metal? It’s not even aluminium foil football’
As the full-time whistle went at Anfield, a goalless draw against Leeds United prompted some boos from sections of the home support.
It was the first time Liverpool had drawn 0-0 under Arne Slot, and the first result of that scoreline in 117 matches in all competitions, since December 2023 against Manchester United.
Liverpool had not lost and Slot’s side had extended their unbeaten run to eight games. But after a largely dull display, it showed a fanbase sharing their frustrations.
Far too often this season, Liverpool have been a tough football team to watch.
It is not an overstatement to say that the Anfield crowd has been spoiled over the past decade from the Jurgen Klopp era to Slot winning the title in his first year at the club.
The standards are immensely high and rightly so for a club of this magnitude, but against a Leeds side who got promoted to the Premier League last season, Liverpool looked one-dimensional and lacked the quality to break through the visitors and their 5-4-1 setup.
Bar Jeremie Frimpong, who had the pace to move past some of the Leeds players with ease but perhaps lacked that final delivery, there were few moments which got the fans off their seats.
It was hardly the start to the New Year that Liverpool, Slot or the Anfield faithful would have desired.
One BBC Sport reader summed up the feelings of the fanbase in our live text.
“Liverpool still look as though there’s a piece missing,” said Jan from Rye.
“Heavy metal football this is not – it’s not even aluminium foil football.”