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A pair of undefeated runs remained in place at Anfield, however solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent limitations behind the current champions' latest recovery.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Point

A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"If I don't use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past history was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially showed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the right side. However, golden chances were scarce. The home side's best openings in the first period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Spurned Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an open goal.

For Leeds, their clearest opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced keeper played a wayward clearance straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot made a three change to bring urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in ahead from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside. In the end, the two sides had to accept a single of the spoils.