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A pair of undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, however solely one team could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the current champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Vital Point

A lacklustre goalless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily due to the defensive dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured display.

"If I do not use the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more energy and precision than in previous matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. Their primary moments in the opening half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he did not manage to find the net with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced keeper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort back towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header flying just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his goal streak for the visitors in the final stages, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside call. In the end, the two teams had to accept a share of the points.