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Two unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, however only one side could derive real contentment from the result. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect game plan of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering issues behind the current champions' recent upturn.

Defensive Display Secures Crucial Point

A drab scoreless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were limited to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a sluggish display.

"Should I don't use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially showed more energy and precision than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the opening period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and drew a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper could not hold the shot, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker misdirected a header that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced keeper played a careless clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back down the centre was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a corner, his effort flying just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for Leeds in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside. In the end, both sides had to accept a share of the points.