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A pair of unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, however only one side could derive genuine contentment from the result. Leeds United executed a textbook strategy of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues within the current champions' latest recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Point

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of boos could be heard around the stadium at the final signal on a sluggish performance.

"If I don't use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially displayed more zip and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, golden opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best openings in the opening period involved forward 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 visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest opportunity came from an Alisson error. The Brazilian keeper sent a careless pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned down the centre was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a triple change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in ahead from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for Leeds in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to accept a share of the points.