🔗 Share this article The Whites Keep Liverpool at Arm's Length to Earn Hard-Fought Draw at Anfield Two undefeated records remained intact at Anfield, but solely one team could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook strategy of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering issues behind the reigning title holders' latest upturn. Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Point A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a sluggish performance. "If I do not use the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke 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 important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion." The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third Liverpool initially showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Their primary openings in the opening half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké. Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post. The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound. Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed. Spurned Chances Are Costly Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while facing an unguarded net. At the other end, their most notable sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a careless pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson. Scrappy Final Stages The contest descended into a scrappy affair, devoid on incident. The midfielder, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz sent into the defence. The Liverpool manager introduced a triple substitution to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just past the post. Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the final minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to accept a share of the points.