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Two unbeaten records continued intact at Anfield, but only one side could derive genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the current champions' recent recovery.

Defensive Display Secures Vital Point

A lacklustre scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Slot's team, was primarily attributable to the immense solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled Leeds defence. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of boos echoed around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a sluggish performance.

"Should I don't utilise the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never do this," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past history was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Liverpool at first showed more energy and precision than in recent matches, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. The home side's best openings in the first half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper spilled the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Chances Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to find the target with his clearest opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a header that hit the Perri while facing an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a careless clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Final Stages

The contest descended into a scrappy affair, devoid on incident. The midfielder, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from distance. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

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

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside call. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a share of the points.