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Two undefeated runs remained in place at Anfield, but only one team could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent limitations within the reigning title holders' recent upturn.

Defensive Display Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were limited to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their primary moments in the first half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity came from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian keeper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in ahead from a corner, his header bouncing just wide the post.

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