🔗 Share this article

A pair of unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one team could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent limitations within the current title holders' latest upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely due to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's inability to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"Should I do not use the entire group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and precision than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden chances were few and far between. The home side's primary openings in the opening period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the shot, needing a crucial block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Spurned Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to hit the target with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a header that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward pass directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The contest deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three change to inject impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. In the end, the two teams had to accept a share of the spoils.