🔗 Share this article

Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out 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 champions' latest upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Point

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily due to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a compact visitors' unit. Liverpool were limited to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"If I do not use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to hit the net with his clearest chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The resulting scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring run for the visitors in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to accept a single of the points.