🔗 Share this article Leeds Keep The Reds at Arm's Length to Earn Valuable Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, however only one team could take real contentment from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook strategy of stifling and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering limitations behind the reigning title holders' recent upturn. Resolute Display Earns Crucial Point A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the immense dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish performance. "Should I do not use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past history was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart." Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal Liverpool initially showed more energy and precision than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. Nevertheless, golden chances were few and far between. Their best openings in the opening period involved striker Hugo Ekitiké. Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post. The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, requiring a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound. Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were waved away. Spurned Opportunities Are Costly Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the net with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while with an unguarded net. At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a wayward clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson. Turgid Final Stages The contest deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence. Slot introduced a triple substitution to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his side in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just past the post. Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, both sides had to accept a share of the spoils.