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Two unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, however solely one team could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect game plan of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent limitations behind the reigning title holders' latest recovery.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled Leeds unit. Liverpool were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish performance.

"If I do not utilise the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first showed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, golden chances were few and far between. Their primary openings in the first half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker misdirected a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned towards goal was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Conclusion

The match descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot introduced a triple substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his side in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his goal run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside. In the end, the two sides had to accept a share of the points.