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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one side could take real satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the current title holders' recent recovery.

Resolute Display Secures Crucial Result

A lacklustre scoreless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the immense solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. However, clear-cut chances were scarce. Their best openings in the opening period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the effort, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Missed Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to hit the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a glance that struck the Perri while with an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian keeper sent a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, low on quality. The midfielder, returning from a ban, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a three change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the points.