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A pair of unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, however only one side could take genuine contentment from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering limitations within the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Crucial Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's failure to break down a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured display.

"If I don't use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first showed more zip and precision than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. Nevertheless, golden opportunities were scarce. Their best openings in the first period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a glance that struck the goalkeeper while with an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back down the centre was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a triple substitution to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring run for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, the two sides had to settle for a single of the spoils.