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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but only one team could derive real satisfaction from the result. Leeds United executed a textbook game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering limitations within the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Crucial Point

A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the stadium at the final signal on a sluggish performance.

"Should I do not use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," Daniel Farke explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent history was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially displayed more zip and precision than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. However, golden opportunities were few and far between. Their best moments in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to find the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a glance that struck the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The experienced keeper played a wayward clearance straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Conclusion

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple substitution to inject urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header bouncing just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both sides had to settle for a single of the spoils.