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Two undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could take real contentment from the result. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues within the reigning title holders' latest recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"If I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the opening half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward drifted infield and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that hit the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity came from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a careless clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back towards goal was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty affair, low on incident. The midfielder, returning from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot made a three change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his header flying just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.