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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one team could derive genuine contentment from the result. Leeds United executed a perfect strategy of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering limitations within the reigning title holders' recent upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Vital Point

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive dominance of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were limited to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a sluggish performance.

"Should I don't use the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his past couple of years was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the first period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Spurned Chances Prove Costly

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

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a careless clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back towards goal was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot made a triple change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring streak for the visitors in the final stages, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the points.