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Two unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, however only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook strategy of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Display Secures Vital Point

A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the immense dominance of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos could be heard around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I don't use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "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 important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially displayed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, golden chances were scarce. Their primary moments in the opening half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, requiring a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to hit the target with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned towards goal was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager made a triple substitution to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal streak for Leeds in the final stages, but his tap-in was ruled out for a tight offside call. In the end, the two teams had to accept a share of the points.