🔗 Share this article Leeds Keep The Reds at Bay to Secure Hard-Fought Draw at Anfield A pair of undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but solely one side could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues behind the reigning title holders' latest recovery. Defensive Masterclass Earns Vital Result A lacklustre scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a well-drilled Leeds defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance. "Should I don't utilise the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past history was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion." Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and precision than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, golden chances were scarce. The home side's best moments in the first half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké. After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball. Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were waved away. Missed Opportunities Are Costly Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net. For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was gathered by the alert goalkeeper. Turgid Conclusion The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the wall. Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in ahead from a corner, his effort flying just past the post. Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside. In the end, both teams had to accept a share of the points.