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Two unbeaten records continued intact at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the result. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent limitations within the reigning title holders' latest upturn.

Resolute Display Secures Vital Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the first in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a compact visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the stadium at the final signal on a laboured display.

"Should I don't use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his past history was difficult. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and precision than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, golden chances were few and far between. Their best openings in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the shot, needing a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to find the net with his clearest chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a glance that struck the goalkeeper while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity came from an Alisson mistake. The experienced keeper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Conclusion

The contest deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a three change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to nodding his team in ahead from a corner, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his goal run for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, the two sides had to accept a share of the points.