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Two unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, however solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues behind the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the final signal on a sluggish display.

"Should I don't use the entire group and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past history was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool initially displayed more energy and precision than in recent outings, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, clear-cut chances were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the opening half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to hit the net with his best opening. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while with an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was saved by the recovering Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The contest descended into a scrappy encounter, devoid on incident. The midfielder, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a triple substitution to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in ahead from a corner, his header flying just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal run for Leeds in the final minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a tight offside call. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a single of the points.