On the first day of 2025, the Premier League table showed that Liverpool were six points clear of Arsenal at the top. They were midway through a golden season. They had already scored 45 goals. Arne Slot, their new coach, was easing the pain felt by Liverpool fans at the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
On the first day of 2026, Liverpool laboured to a drab and desperately dull draw with Leeds United that left them 12 points adrift of Arsenal and vulnerable to being ejected from the top four.