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Two undefeated runs continued in place at Anfield, however only one side could derive real contentment from the result. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the current title holders' recent upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the final signal on a laboured performance.

"If I do not utilise the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent couple of years was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, golden opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary moments in the first half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Spurned Chances Prove Pivotal

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 striker miscued a header that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal came from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The match descended into a bitty affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a three change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in ahead from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to accept a single of the points.