🔗 Share this article

A pair of unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning champions' recent upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Result

A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily due to the immense dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I do not use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially showed more energy and precision than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, golden opportunities were scarce. Their primary moments in the first half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to hit the target with his best opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a glance that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal run for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside. In the end, both teams had to accept a share of the points.