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Two undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues within the current champions' recent upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Point

A drab goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive dominance of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the final signal on a laboured performance.

"Should I don't use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and sharpness than in recent outings, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, golden chances were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the opening period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to find the net with his best chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The Brazilian keeper played a careless pass directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned down the centre was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, devoid on incident. The midfielder, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three substitution to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

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