🔗 Share this article Leeds Keep Liverpool at Bay to Secure Valuable Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten records remained intact at Anfield, but solely one team could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering limitations behind the reigning title holders' latest recovery. Defensive Display Earns Crucial Point A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured performance. "If I don't use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart." Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third Arne Slot's team at first displayed more zip and precision than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the opening period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké. After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post. The visitors' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball. Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his appeals for a penalty were waved away. Spurned Chances Are Pivotal Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net. At the other end, their clearest opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper sent a careless pass directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned down the centre was gathered by the alert Alisson. Turgid Final Stages The match descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence. The Liverpool manager made a triple substitution to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his side in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just past the post. Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, the two sides had to settle for a single of the spoils.