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Two unbeaten records continued intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive genuine contentment from the result. Leeds United executed a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues behind the current champions' latest upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Point

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' defence. Liverpool were limited to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured display.

"If I don't utilise the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his past couple of years was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. The home side's best moments in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the shot, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to hit the net with his clearest chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that struck the Perri while facing an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity came from an Alisson mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back towards goal was gathered by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match descended into a scrappy affair, low on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

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 set-piece, his header flying just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.