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Two undefeated records continued intact at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the stadium at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I do not utilise the entire squad 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 difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first showed more energy and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best openings in the first half 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 visitors' shot-stopper could not hold the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker misdirected a header that hit the Perri while with an open goal.

For Leeds, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced keeper sent a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager made a three substitution to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in front from a corner, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, the two sides had to accept a single of the points.