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A pair of unbeaten runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one team could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the lingering issues within the current champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Display Earns Vital Point

A lacklustre scoreless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a sluggish display.

"Should I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and precision than in previous matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were scarce. Their primary moments in the first half fell to forward 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 visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, needing a crucial block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to hit the net with his best opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a glance that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a careless clearance straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Turgid Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from distance. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager made a triple change to bring urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in front from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring streak for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, both teams had to accept a share of the points.