Hugo Ekitike has etched his name into Liverpool history alongside King Kenny Dalglish after a goalscoring return to action. The French forward came off the bench against Barnsley to complete a unique scoring set in his debut season.

Arsenal are back to being six points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League, failing to capitalize on City being held to a draw of their own on Wednesday. On Thursday, Arsenal dominated the opening 25 minutes but let Liverpool back into the game and the Merseyside club looked more likely to score in the second half.

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at home by Leeds as 2026 began in frustrating fashion for Arne Slot’s side. It was the first time Liverpool have been involved in a 0-0 draw in the Premier League for 117 matches, as Leeds’ plan worked a treat.

Goal! Leeds United 1, Liverpool 2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top right corner. VAR Decision: Penalty Leeds United. Penalty conceded by Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool) after a foul in the penalty area. Penalty Leeds United. Wilfried Gnonto draws a foul in the penalty area.

Wilson clips the bar with Alisson stranded and Van Dijk hammers clear. Florian Wirtz makes way for Jeremie Frimpong. Cairney makes way for Kevin. Smith-Rowe off for Berge. Harry Wilson booked for a cynical foul on Bradley, who had raced away from him.

The second half saw Reyes Cleary go down in the box but the referee waved away the penalty shouts as Barnsley frustrated Liverpool. Arne Slot then called on his substitutes with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike coming on to score a final two goals and send Liverpool into the next round.

While Arne Slot seems to think that Liverpool's starting line-up is stronger without Mohamed Salah, the winger has been conspicuous by his absence in recent weeks, with the Reds struggling to score goals without their talisman.

Arsenal and Liverpool joined the host of big boys to drop points at midweek, as Mikel Arteta's men failed to grow their table lead via a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.