Overview
- At Anfield, Arne Slot called Liverpool's display "difficult," saying his side struggled to play through Leeds' low block and lacked "individual special moments."
- Liverpool’s attacking options were thin with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak recovering from ankle surgery, and Slot noted a bench featuring several 19-year-olds.
- Florian Wirtz drew criticism from commentators for a quiet first half, while Liverpool staff continued to frame his recent substitutions as workload management during his adaptation.
- At Sunderland, Manchester City’s eight-game winning run ended as Pep Guardiola lamented "sloppy finishing," with chances spurned by Savinho, Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland.
- Sunderland extended their unbeaten home run to 10 league matches, and City welcomed Rodri back from injury as a second-half substitute.