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Two unbeaten runs remained in place at Anfield, but only one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Daniel Farke's men executed a perfect game plan of stifling and containing Liverpool, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the current champions' recent recovery.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Crucial Result

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down a well-drilled Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I don't use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third

Liverpool initially showed more energy and sharpness than in previous outings, with Jeremie Frimpong prominent on the flank. However, golden chances were few and far between. The home side's primary moments in the opening half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper could not hold the shot, needing a timely block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to find the target with his best opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker miscued a header that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned down the centre was gathered by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The contest deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot introduced a triple change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his header flying just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside. In the end, both sides had to settle for a share of the points.