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Two undefeated records remained in place at Anfield, but only one team could take real contentment from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the lingering issues behind the current title holders' recent upturn.

Defensive Display Secures Crucial Point

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily attributable to the immense dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"If I do not use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially showed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the right side. However, golden opportunities were few and far between. The home side's primary moments in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Spurned Chances Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the net with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

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

Turgid Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a bitty affair, low on quality. The midfielder, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot introduced a triple change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort flying just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring streak for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to settle for a single of the spoils.