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Two unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, but only one side could derive real satisfaction from the result. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past history was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team at first showed more zip and precision than in recent matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. Nevertheless, golden chances were few and far between. The home side's primary openings in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a crucial block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to hit the net with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker miscued a glance that struck the goalkeeper while with an open goal.

For Leeds, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot introduced a three substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in front from a corner, his effort flying just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to accept a share of the points.