🔗 Share this article

A pair of undefeated runs continued in place at Anfield, but solely one side could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering issues behind the reigning title holders' latest upturn.

Defensive Display Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a sluggish display.

"If I do not use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past couple of years was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best openings in the opening period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his clearest chance. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian keeper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back down the centre was saved by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a bitty affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a three change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his effort flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside call. Ultimately, the two sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.