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Two unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues behind the current title holders' latest recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's inability to unlock a compact Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish performance.

"Should I don't utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, golden opportunities were scarce. Their primary openings in the first period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French forward drifted infield and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to hit the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a header that struck the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal came from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot introduced a triple substitution to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his side in front from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring run for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, both teams had to accept a single of the spoils.