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A pair of undefeated runs remained intact at Anfield, but solely one team could take real contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting Liverpool, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure underscoring the lingering issues behind the current champions' latest recovery.

Resolute Masterclass Secures Crucial Result

A drab scoreless draw, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the home side's failure to unlock a well-drilled visitors' defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"If I do not use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not do this," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was difficult. He is in incredible shape but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Liverpool at first showed more energy and precision than in recent outings, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. However, clear-cut chances were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the first period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, needing a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although not going down, his shouts for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Opportunities Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he failed to hit the target with his clearest chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a header that hit the goalkeeper while with an open goal.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity arrived from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a careless pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a bitty encounter, devoid on incident. The midfielder, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

Slot made a three change to bring urgency, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in ahead from a corner, his header bouncing just past the post.

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