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Two unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, but solely one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues within the reigning champions' recent upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Point

A drab goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive dominance of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's inability to unlock a compact visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos echoed around the stadium at the final signal on a sluggish performance.

"Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool initially showed more energy and sharpness than in recent outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. However, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary moments in the opening half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal came from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a wayward clearance straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header bouncing just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring run for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside call. In the end, both sides had to settle for a share of the points.