Pundits hail ‘magnificent’ Leeds United as Whites extend unbeaten run at Anfield

Leeds United’s growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most difficult opponents was reinforced on Thursday night after a disciplined goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Leeds United continued their impressive run of form by holding Liverpool to a 0–0 draw on Thursday evening, extending their unbeaten sequence in the Premier League to six matches.

Daniel Farke’s side delivered a composed and organised performance at Anfield, frustrating their hosts and earning a result that further underlined their emergence as a resilient and tactically astute outfit. The draw adds to a run that has seen Leeds take points from several established top-flight sides and attract increasing praise from pundits across the national media.

Richards praises Leeds’ resilience and quality

Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards was quick to highlight the scale of Leeds’ achievement, particularly given the calibre of their recent opponents.

“When you look at the fixtures — Chelsea, Liverpool, Brentford, Crystal Palace — you might expect a few draws and perhaps a win,” Richards said on Sky Sports. “But to come through that run with the number of points Leeds have picked up, especially after so many people wrote them off, it’s been magnificent.”

Richards also pushed back against suggestions that Leeds are merely a functional or limited side.

“I don’t like the idea that Leeds are talked about as just a set-piece team that are hard to beat,” he added. “Yes, they were difficult to break down against Liverpool, but they can also play with energy, stay compact and be aggressive. That all comes from the manager. They’re a really good team to watch, particularly at home.”

Organisation key to Leeds’ progress

Speaking on Match of the Day, former England captain Steph Houghton highlighted the structure and midfield discipline that has underpinned Leeds’ recent improvement.

“They’re now six games unbeaten, and what they’ve shown over the last few matches is excellent organisation,” Houghton said. “The midfield trio of Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu have been outstanding at protecting the defence and knowing when to step in and challenge.”

Houghton also praised Leeds’ central compactness and their ability to steer Liverpool into less threatening areas.

“They stayed compact through the middle and tried to force Liverpool wide, which led to poor decision-making,” she explained. “When Liverpool did get crosses in, Leeds had so many bodies in the box that it became very difficult for Hugo Ekitike to score. They’ve turned a corner, and it’s down to good coaching rather than luck.”

Former players applaud discipline and unity

Former Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn echoed those views while analysing the match on LUTV’s Extra Time programme.

“Defensively, Leeds were very solid,” Martyn said. “Liverpool lacked width and didn’t cause the problems they normally would. Leeds were happy to defend the central areas and executed the game plan perfectly.”

Club legend Tony Dorigo also singled out the growing confidence and togetherness within the squad.

“You can see the belief spreading through the team,” Dorigo said. “We knew it would be difficult, but the players were disciplined and resolute, and when they had the ball, they weren’t afraid to take the game to Liverpool.

“I thought Maximilian Bornauw was excellent, James Justin defended really well, and Ilia Gruev had a tough job in midfield — but every player carried out their role superbly.”