Liverpool failed to score in a match for the first time since their embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in November, as the Reds drew 0-0 at home to Leeds on New Year's Day. They had the chance to put some distance between themselves and managerless Chelsea, but failed to capitalise in a drab affair at Anfield.

Hugo Ekitike had the best chance of the match, firing in the opposite direction when he met a powerful cross inside the six-yard area. But Arne Slot's side failed to create sufficient chances to trouble the Leeds defence and got a late reprieve when Dominic Calvert-Lewin, off the bench, saw his goal chalked off for offside. Here, Express Sport takes a look at how the Liverpool players fared...

Goalkeeper

Alisson - 5

Almost gifted a goal on the 31-minute mark when his sloppy pass went to Ethan Ampadu, but the midfielder was unable to punish Alisson.

Defence

Conor Bradley - 6

Defended admirably but was unable to significantly impact Leeds going forward. He may struggle to keep his spot when Mohamed Salah returns from the Africa Cup of Nations and Jeremie Frimpong is in contention to play at right-back as well.

Ibrahima Konate - 7

Made several key interceptions but will perhaps be thankful that he did not have to deal with the threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin for longer than 20 minutes.

Virgil van Dijk - 6

Solid enough but will be wanting more from those in front of him. Missed a free header at a corner after 70 minutes.

Andy Robertson - 6

Given another chance to impress as Milos Kerkez's form improves, but was unable to replicate the attacking impact that the Scot has been renowned for in previous Premier League seasons.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch - 7

A steady performance and did well against Leeds' three-man midfield and two-striker setup.

Curtis Jones - 6

A few neat flicks but failed to really stamp his authority on the match. Alexis Mac Allister took over from the bench after an hour.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 5

Having been given a rest, through suspension, did not return with gusto. A rare off-evening for Liverpool's top performer this season.

Attack

Jeremie Frimpong - 7

A livewire down the right flank who could end up creating as many chances for Liverpool as Trent Alexander-Arnold once did, but through completely different means. Played in front of Conor Bradley today but will be an exciting new prong to Arne Slot's attack from right-back in the future.

Hugo Ekitike - 7

Very lively and was keen to drop deep, get involved and use his supreme dribbling ability for a tall striker. Did get on the wrong end of a header from close range that he will be disappointed not to have tucked in the back of the net.

Florian Wirtz - 5

A very underwhelming performance from the Germany international, considering his form had improved tenfold in recent weeks. Attacks down the left largely came to a halt and his link-up with Andy Robertson was not on the same level as the developing relationship between Wirtz and Kerkez. Subbed off after an hour.

Substitutes

Alexis Mac Allister (66') - 6

Kept things ticking over but could not unlock the Leeds defence.

Milos Kerkez (66') - 6

Lively off the bench and will likely be back in the starting lineup to face Fulham on Sunday.

Cody Gakpo (66') - 6

His direct nature was a welcome boost off the bench.

Federico Chiesa (79') - 6

His arrival forced Frimpong to right-back, but he didn't have the desired impact in those final 15 minutes.

Ryo Ngumoha (84') - 7

A few very exciting touches in stoppage time.