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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but solely one side could take real contentment from the result. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering limitations within the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely due to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to unlock a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final signal on a laboured display.

"Should I do not use the entire group and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his past couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot form 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

Liverpool initially showed more zip and sharpness than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, golden chances were few and far between. Their primary moments in the opening half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, needing a crucial 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 staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to hit the target with his clearest opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker misdirected a glance that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced keeper played a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back down the centre was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding the hosts a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in front from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside. Ultimately, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.