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Two undefeated runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one side could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a textbook game plan of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering limitations behind the current title holders' recent recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the immense dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the stadium at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I do not utilise 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 look after him. We all are aware his past couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. The home side's best moments in the first half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, needing a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the net with his best chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a header that hit the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a triple change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in front from a corner, his header bouncing just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside call. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.