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A pair of undefeated records continued intact at Anfield, but only one team could take real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues behind the current title holders' recent upturn.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Result

A drab goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily due to the immense solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent could be heard around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a sluggish performance.

"Should I do not use the whole group and we have a fixture list like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to protect him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team at first displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent outings, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. Their best openings in the opening period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and drew a stop from keeper 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 loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away.

Missed Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his best chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a glance that struck the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced keeper played a careless clearance straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back down the centre was saved by the recovering goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The match descended into a bitty encounter, low on quality. The midfielder, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to accept a share of the points.