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Two unbeaten records continued intact at Anfield, but solely one team could take real satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering issues behind the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Crucial Point

A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the final signal on a laboured performance.

"If I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the opening half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the shot, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the net with his best chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a header that struck the goalkeeper while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper sent a wayward clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was saved by the recovering Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three substitution to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a corner, his header flying just past the post.

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