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A pair of undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Leeds United executed a textbook strategy of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues behind the current title holders' recent recovery.

Defensive Display Secures Crucial Point

A drab scoreless draw, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely due to the immense dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were scarce. Their primary openings in the first half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest chance. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a glance that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot introduced a three change to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal run for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.