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A pair of undefeated records remained intact at Anfield, but only one side could take real satisfaction from the result. Leeds United carried out a textbook game plan of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the lingering issues within the reigning champions' recent recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the stadium at the final whistle on a sluggish display.

"If I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and precision than in recent outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. Nevertheless, clear-cut chances were scarce. Their best moments in the first period involved striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and forced a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to hit the target with his clearest chance. Meeting a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a glance that hit the Perri while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal came from an Alisson mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot made a three change to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal run for the visitors in the final minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a single of the points.