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A pair of unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, however solely one team could derive genuine contentment from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning title holders' recent upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Result

A drab scoreless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely due to the immense solidity of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"Should I don't utilise the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. The home side's best moments in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he did not manage to hit the net with his best chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot made a three substitution to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal run for the visitors in the closing stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a share of the points.