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Two undefeated records continued in place at Anfield, but only one side could take genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering issues within the reigning champions' recent recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily due to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were limited to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the stadium at the full-time signal on a laboured performance.

"If I do not use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous outings, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their best moments in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to hit the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a header that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot introduced a triple change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in front from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to settle for a single of the spoils.