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A pair of undefeated runs remained intact at Anfield, however only one team could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent limitations within the current title holders' latest upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Point

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive dominance of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the home side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a sluggish performance.

"Should I don't utilise the entire group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," the manager 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 form but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and precision than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Their primary openings in the first half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the effort, needing a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

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

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot introduced a three change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a corner, his header bouncing just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his goal run for the visitors in the closing stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, the two teams had to accept a single of the points.