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Two undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the reigning title holders' latest upturn.

Defensive Display Earns Vital Point

A lacklustre scoreless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final signal on a sluggish display.

"Should I don't use the entire group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past couple of years was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team at first showed more energy and precision than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. Nevertheless, golden opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the first half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and drew a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a header that hit the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian keeper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a triple change to bring urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring streak for the visitors in the final stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.