🔗 Share this article

A pair of unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, however solely one team could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the lingering limitations within the current title holders' recent upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Point

A drab goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"If I do not use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool initially displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. Nevertheless, golden chances were scarce. The home side's primary moments in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the effort, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The match descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his side in ahead from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside call. Ultimately, the two sides had to accept a share of the spoils.