🔗 Share this article

Two unbeaten records continued in place at Anfield, but solely one team could derive real satisfaction from the result. Leeds United carried out a textbook strategy of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues within the reigning champions' latest recovery.

Defensive Display Earns Crucial Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the Anfield side's inability to break down a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a smattering of boos echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a sluggish performance.

"Should I don't use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in the Final Third

Arne Slot's team initially displayed more energy and sharpness than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the right side. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. The home side's best openings in the first half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and drew a save from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away.

Spurned Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the net with his best opening. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a glance that hit the goalkeeper while with an unguarded net.

At the other end, their clearest opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian keeper played a wayward clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot back down the centre was gathered by the alert goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty affair, low on quality. The midfielder, returning from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting scramble led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving Liverpool a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the defence.

The Liverpool manager made a triple change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in ahead from a set-piece, his header flying just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his scoring run for Leeds in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside call. In the end, the two sides had to settle for a single of the points.