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Two undefeated runs continued in place at Anfield, however solely one side could derive real contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering limitations within the reigning title holders' recent recovery.

Resolute Display Secures Vital Point

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the immense solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured display.

"Should I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first displayed more zip and precision than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. Nevertheless, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best openings in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international drifted infield and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to find the target with his best chance. Meeting a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a glance that struck the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced keeper played a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a scrappy encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring run for the visitors in the closing stages, but his finish was ruled out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to accept a share of the spoils.