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A pair of unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues behind the current title holders' latest recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Crucial Result

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a well-drilled visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a laboured display.

"Should I don't use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially showed more energy and precision than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the opening period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a header that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The match descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager made a three change to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal run for the visitors in the final minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to accept a share of the points.