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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, however only one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent limitations within the reigning champions' recent upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Crucial Point

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely due to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the final signal on a laboured display.

"If I do not utilise the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Their best moments in the opening period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Spurned Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the net with his best chance. Meeting a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker misdirected a header that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back down the centre was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty encounter, low on incident. The midfielder, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a three substitution to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in front from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal run for Leeds in the final minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a single of the points.