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Two unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, however solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering issues within the current title holders' latest upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Crucial Result

A lacklustre scoreless draw, the first in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to break down a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos echoed around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"Should I do not use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the heart."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Liverpool initially displayed more zip and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the right side. However, golden opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Spurned Opportunities Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their most notable sight of goal arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was gathered by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. The midfielder, back from a ban, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

Slot made a triple substitution to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a corner, his effort flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring streak for Leeds in the final minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to accept a share of the points.