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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, however only one team could take genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of stifling and containing the hosts, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning title holders' recent recovery.

Resolute Display Earns Crucial Result

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the immense dominance of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were limited to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time signal on a laboured display.

"Should I don't utilise the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the opening period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the effort, requiring a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in 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 waved away.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a header that struck the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The experienced shot-stopper played a wayward clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in front from a corner, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring run for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.