🔗 Share this article Leeds Hold The Reds at Bay to Earn Valuable Point at Anfield A pair of undefeated records remained in place at Anfield, however only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering limitations behind the reigning champions' recent recovery. Defensive Masterclass Secures Vital Point A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of boos echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish display. "Should I do not utilise the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion." Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third Arne Slot's team initially displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. However, golden opportunities were few and far between. Their primary openings in the first period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké. After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post. The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, requiring a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound. Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed. Spurned Chances Are Pivotal Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to hit the target with his best chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net. At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced keeper played a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned down the centre was saved by the recovering goalkeeper. Scrappy Conclusion The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the wall. Slot made a three change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just past the post. Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was ruled out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two sides had to accept a share of the points.