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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive real contentment from the outcome. Leeds United executed a textbook game plan of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the lingering limitations within the reigning title holders' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A drab scoreless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact Leeds unit. Liverpool were reduced to speculative opportunities, and a sprinkling of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time signal on a sluggish display.

"If I don't utilise the entire squad 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 know his past history was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and sharpness than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. Their primary moments in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the target with his best chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a glance that hit the Perri while with an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back towards goal was saved by the recovering Alisson.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty encounter, low on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a triple change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal streak for Leeds in the closing stages, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, both teams had to accept a single of the points.