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A pair of undefeated records continued intact at Anfield, but solely one team could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning title holders' latest upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down 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.

"Should I do not use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and precision than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, golden opportunities were few and far between. The home side's primary openings in the opening period involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to find the target with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper played a wayward clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside. In the end, both sides had to accept a share of the spoils.