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Two undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the lingering limitations behind the current champions' latest upturn.

Resolute Display Earns Crucial Result

A lacklustre scoreless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's inability to break down a compact visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were limited to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"Should I don't use the entire group and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past history was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. However, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Their best openings in the opening half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through 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 Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his clearest opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a three change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in ahead from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, both teams had to accept a single of the points.