Liverpool’s Anfield fortress has been showing cracks in the 2025-26 Premier League season, and heading into Thursday’s clash against Leeds United, those cracks have become glaring. The Reds, reigning champions, are still trying to find their rhythm under Jurgen Klopp’s watchful eye, and the pressure has been building with each match. Their recent form shows glimpses of recovery – four wins in a row across all competitions and three consecutive league victories – but these stats mask deeper problems that have haunted them all season. Anfield, usually a place of certainty and dominance, now feels like a testing ground, where every error, every lapse in concentration, is magnified for all to see.
One of Liverpool’s biggest issues this season has been set pieces, a part of the game that once brought them comfort and dominance. The Reds have now conceded twelve goals from set plays, excluding penalties, already by mid-season. To put that in perspective, last year after 18 league games, Liverpool had only allowed three set-piece goals. The jump from three to twelve is staggering, an alarming statistic for a club of their stature. Even more concerning is the corner situation: in 2024-25, Liverpool had not conceded a single goal from a corner at this stage of the season. This year, that number has risen to seven, a figure that exposes defensive frailties and planning issues. Only West Ham have been worse in conceding from corners, letting in eleven, but for a club that prides itself on defensive organisation, this is nothing short of a crisis.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s commanding centre-back and team captain, did not shy away from the problem. “There have been plenty of games when we have defended them very well,” he admitted, a hint at pride that persists despite difficulties. But honesty came through as he continued: “The fact is, we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals and we don’t score enough.” The words hung heavy in the Anfield air because they reflected a truth Klopp and his coaching staff have been grappling with. The set-piece coach Aaron Briggs recently left the club, a decision that underlines the urgency of addressing these repeated lapses. For a team whose identity under Klopp is built on structure, pressing, and organisation, conceding nearly half of goals from set pieces is almost unimaginable.
Liverpool’s attacking play has also struggled. While their front line boasts talent and experience, the balance between defence and attack is off. The team is scoring just three goals from non-penalty set pieces in the league, which starkly contrasts with their twelve conceded. The negative difference of minus nine between scoring and conceding set-piece goals is the largest in the Premier League this season. It is a statistic that will make any Liverpool fan anxious. As Van Dijk puts it, it has been a “killer.” The defensive holes are not just numbers on a sheet; they are moments of panic and desperation on the pitch, moments where opposing players can exploit gaps and score.
In stark contrast, Leeds United come into Anfield with confidence oozing from every corner of their team. Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have rediscovered their attacking edge. The team is unbeaten in their past five league games, a run that has earned them nine points – more than they collected in their previous twelve league matches combined. Their success is built on adaptation; they have embraced a more direct approach in games, cutting down on possession in favour of efficiency. The numbers tell the story: goals per game have jumped from 0.92 to 2.3 over their last six matches, expected goals have risen from 1.24 to 2.0, and points per game have increased from 0.91 to 1.5. Even possession, often a measure of control, has decreased from 48.3% to 43.8%, showing that Leeds are focused on quick transitions and capitalising on opportunities rather than holding the ball.
At the heart of Leeds’ resurgence is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The striker has been sensational, scoring in six consecutive Premier League matches and continuing a run that has made him the focal point of both Leeds’ attack and the Premier League’s headlines. His streak is historic: only the eleventh English player to achieve six consecutive league goals and the first Leeds player to do so in the top flight since John McCole in 1959-60. Calvert-Lewin’s finishing has been clinical, his positioning perfect, and his aerial prowess unmatched, which poses a major threat to Liverpool’s faltering set-piece defence. Anfield, which once loomed like an insurmountable fortress, now presents an opportunity for Leeds to rewrite history.
The reverse fixture earlier in December had already shown Leeds’ capability to challenge Liverpool. A thrilling 3-3 draw saw them claw back, demonstrating both resilience and attacking ingenuity. Thursday’s clash offers them the chance to make history again: no team has defeated Liverpool consecutively at Anfield in the Premier League era. The last team to claim back-to-back league wins against Liverpool at Anfield was Leeds’ own team in 2002-03, led by the unforgettable Mark Viduka. Farke’s men are eyeing a victory not just for points but for statement-making significance.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been working to steady their ship. Klopp and his coaching staff have been analysing defensive setups, tweaking formations, and adjusting player responsibilities. But the problems go deeper than tactics; they are psychological as well. Conceding from set pieces repeatedly chips away at confidence, leading to moments of indecision and overcompensation. Every corner or free-kick into the Liverpool box will now carry an extra layer of tension. Fans will be watching nervously as Leeds’ tall, direct players prepare to exploit these gaps. The combination of Van Dijk’s leadership and tactical adjustments will be crucial, but the margin for error is thin.
On the offensive side, Liverpool must also find solutions. Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez have the quality to unlock defences, but against a disciplined Leeds backline, creativity must meet precision. Shots must be on target, passes accurate, and movement coordinated. Klopp will need his team to balance attack and defence carefully; overcommitting forward could leave the back line exposed to Calvert-Lewin and his partners. Liverpool’s attacking rhythm has improved over the past weeks, but consistency remains elusive.
The Anfield atmosphere itself will play a pivotal role. Fans, always passionate and vocal, will demand performance and intensity. Their energy can lift players, but if mistakes happen, it can also amplify pressure. This duality of crowd influence is a defining feature of Liverpool home games. Players must channel the support positively, keeping nerves under control while exploiting the morale boost that comes from cheering supporters.
Statistically, Liverpool have improved slightly in recent matches. Their consecutive wins show capability, yet underlying issues persist. While set-piece concessions have been highlighted as the main worry, overall defensive cohesion and mid-block organisation need constant attention. Leeds’ direct style will challenge both these areas, putting pressure on Liverpool’s back four and testing goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s reflexes. For the Reds, Thursday’s game is not just about three points; it is about reasserting identity, correcting errors, and showing that the reigning champions can still command respect.
Meanwhile, Leeds will not simply rely on Calvert-Lewin. Their system encourages midfielders to push forward, full-backs to overlap, and wingers to create width. The emphasis is on quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents. Against Liverpool, this strategy can be lethal. A lapse from one of Liverpool’s centre-backs, a delayed challenge, or a missed clearance could lead to a goal. Leeds’ preparation and understanding of Liverpool’s weaknesses have been meticulous, and Farke will push his players to capitalise on any opportunity.
For football fans worldwide, this clash promises drama, goals, and narratives. Liverpool, with their history, fan base, and pedigree, must prove resilience. Leeds, with their momentum and tactical evolution, aim to make history. Every duel, every set piece, and every counter-attack will be dissected in real time by analysts and supporters alike. Anfield’s magic, often a fortress of invincibility, is under the microscope, and the outcome will signal whether Liverpool can address their season-long weaknesses or if Leeds’ upward trajectory continues.
Off the pitch, discussions around squad management, fitness, and rotation will also play into the narrative. Klopp has faced criticism for player fatigue and injuries, while Farke has balanced experience and youth to keep his squad fresh. Substitutions, timing, and tactical tweaks in response to in-game developments could ultimately decide the match. Managers’ decisions are under intense scrutiny, as one miscalculation could swing the balance.
This match is more than a fixture; it is a story of contrasts. Liverpool embodies tradition, history, and expectation, yet faces the reality of an imperfect season. Leeds represents resurgence, innovation, and ambition, challenging one of the league’s giants on their own turf. For neutrals, this is the quintessential Premier League encounter: high stakes, historical context, tactical battles, and the unpredictable drama that defines English football.
In conclusion, Thursday’s game at Anfield will test both teams on multiple levels. Liverpool must overcome defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set pieces, while reigniting their attacking rhythm. Leeds will leverage momentum, tactical ingenuity, and Calvert-Lewin’s goal-scoring prowess to challenge the champions. Every goal, every mistake, every moment of brilliance could define the season’s narrative for both clubs. History, pride, and Premier League points are on the line, and football fans across the world will watch as Liverpool and Leeds United clash in a game that promises tension, drama, and unforgettable momentsAnfield will roar, Leeds will fight, and football will witness a battle where every corner, every pass, and every finish counts
