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Two undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, however only one side could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the famous ground at the final signal on a laboured display.

"Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. Their primary openings in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the shot, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Spurned Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to find the net with his best chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that struck the goalkeeper while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper sent a careless clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back towards goal was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The match descended into a bitty affair, low on quality. The midfielder, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a triple substitution to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal run for the visitors in the closing stages, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside call. In the end, both sides had to accept a single of the points.