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A pair of unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, however solely one team could derive real contentment from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook strategy of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning title holders' recent recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Point

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely due to the immense solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third

Liverpool at first showed more energy and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, golden opportunities were scarce. The home side's best moments in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the shot, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the target with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a header that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back towards goal was saved by the recovering Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The contest deteriorated into a bitty encounter, low on incident. The midfielder, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three substitution to inject impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a set-piece, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring run for the visitors in the closing stages, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two sides had to accept a share of the spoils.