🔗 Share this article

Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Daniel Farke's men carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues within the current title holders' recent upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a laboured display.

"If I do not use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Their primary openings in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a glance that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The experienced shot-stopper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a scrappy affair, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a set-piece, his effort flying just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal run for the visitors in the final stages, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.