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A pair of undefeated runs remained in place at Anfield, however only one side could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Display Secures Vital Point

A drab goalless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to speculative 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 group and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

The Hosts' Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the first period involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

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

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a scrappy affair, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

The Liverpool manager made a three change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his side in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring run for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to accept a share of the points.