🔗 Share this article The Whites Hold Liverpool at Arm's Length to Secure Valuable Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten records continued in place at Anfield, but only one team could take genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the current title holders' latest upturn. Defensive Masterclass Secures Crucial Point A lacklustre goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the immense dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's failure to break down a well-drilled visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the stadium at the final signal on a sluggish display. "If I don't use the entire squad and we have a schedule like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past history was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion." Liverpool's Frustration in the Final Third Liverpool initially showed more energy and precision than in previous outings, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden chances were scarce. The home side's primary moments in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké. Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward cut inside and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball. Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were dismissed. Spurned Opportunities Are Costly Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he failed to hit the target with his best opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker miscued a header that hit the Perri while with an unguarded net. At the other end, their most notable opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a careless clearance directly to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back down the centre was saved by the recovering Alisson. Turgid Final Stages The contest descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. The midfielder, returning from suspension, tested Perri from distance. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence. Slot made a three change to inject impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his header flying just past the post. Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.