Liverpool were helpless against Leeds.

Hugo Ekitike squandered a chance against Leeds.

The goalless draw against Leeds United was no accident. It was the most accurate summary of Liverpool's current state under Arne Slot: possession, control of the game, but lacking the finishing touch to take down their opponents.

The focus of the disappointment fell on Hugo Ekitike. The French striker's close-range header, instead of finding the net, hit goalkeeper Lucas Perri straight in the head.

A brief moment, but enough to encapsulate Liverpool's harmlessness throughout the 90 minutes. It was their clearest chance. And almost their only chance that truly unsettled Leeds.

Slot didn't shy away from the truth. He stated it bluntly: Liverpool lacked goals. A simple answer, but also the core issue.

Liverpool controlled possession extensively, perhaps more than any other team in the league this season. They had 19 shots, achieving an xG (expected goals) of nearly 2. However, the on-field performance didn't convey the feeling of a team constantly on the brink of scoring. Their shots came awkwardly, lacked decisiveness, and rarely created real pressure.

Ekitike isn't a bad player. He's still Liverpool's top scorer this season. But with Mohamed Salah absent due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Alexander Isak injured, Cody Gakpo only recently returning to fitness, and Federico Chiesa not yet reliable enough, the burden on Ekitike's shoulders is too great.

When every shot awaits a finish from him, confidence easily turns into pressure. And pressure often leads to shots lacking the killer instinct.

Not only Ekitike, but Florian Wirtz also had a forgettable match.

Not only Ekitike, but Florian Wirtz also had a forgettable game. The German midfielder took a step back from his recent run of progress. Liverpool therefore lacked both a playmaker and a finisher. A team can tolerate one of those, but lacking both makes winning very difficult.

To be fair to Leeds United, they defended disciplined and knew what they needed. Daniel Farke's team didn't come to Anfield with a passive mindset. They were ready to challenge, ready to slow the tempo, and ready to take advantage of every moment when Liverpool lost patience. Leeds deserved a point. Liverpool deserved the disappointment.

Eight unbeaten games sounds good. But the feeling left after this draw is one of heaviness. When the transfer window opened, Liverpool talked a lot about needing more central defenders. That might be true. But the game against Leeds showed something clearer: they need more of a striker with a finishing instinct.

Ekitike's header didn't decide the season. But it was a warning. If Liverpool continue to play this way, they will control many more games. And they will also miss many more opportunities to pull ahead.