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Two unbeaten records continued in place at Anfield, but only one side could take genuine contentment from the result. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering limitations behind the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Resolute Display Earns Vital Result

A drab goalless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the final whistle on a sluggish display.

"Should I don't use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail 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 Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their best moments in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his best chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper played a wayward clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. The midfielder, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot made a three substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in ahead from a corner, his header flying just past the post.

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