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Two undefeated records remained intact at Anfield, but only one side could take genuine contentment from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering issues behind the current title holders' latest recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Crucial Point

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely due to the immense dominance of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"Should I don't use the entire group and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially showed more energy and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. Nevertheless, golden chances were scarce. Their best openings in the opening period involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced keeper sent a wayward clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, low on incident. The midfielder, back from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a three substitution to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a corner, his header flying just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring run for the visitors in the final stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the points.