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Two unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues within the current title holders' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A drab scoreless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a sluggish performance.

"Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their primary moments in the first period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker misdirected a glance that hit the Perri while with an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced keeper sent a careless clearance straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a bitty encounter, low on incident. The midfielder, returning from suspension, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot introduced a triple change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in ahead from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring streak for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.