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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, however only one side could derive genuine satisfaction from the result. Leeds United executed a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent limitations behind the current champions' recent recovery.

Defensive Display Earns Vital Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to break down a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, 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," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent history was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially displayed more energy and precision than in recent matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were scarce. Their best openings in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the target with his clearest chance. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the striker misdirected a header that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced keeper sent a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was gathered by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, low on incident. The midfielder, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a corner, his header bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, the two sides had to settle for a single of the points.