🔗 Share this article The Whites Hold Liverpool at Bay to Secure Hard-Fought Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten records continued in place at Anfield, but only one team could derive genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent limitations within the reigning champions' latest recovery. Resolute Masterclass Secures Vital Point A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Slot's team, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's inability to unlock a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of boos echoed around the famous ground at the final whistle on a sluggish display. "Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," Daniel Farke explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his past couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible form but it's important I manage him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion." Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal Liverpool initially showed more zip and precision than in previous matches, with Jeremie Frimpong influential on the flank. Nevertheless, golden opportunities were few and far between. Their best moments in the opening period fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké. Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international drifted infield and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The Leeds' shot-stopper could not hold the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball. Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was held by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were waved away. Missed Chances Are Pivotal Ekitiké's afternoon worsened when he failed to find the target with his best chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong cross in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net. At the other end, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced keeper sent a wayward pass directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was gathered by the recovering Alisson. Scrappy Final Stages The contest descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a free-kick in a promising area, which Wirtz wasted into the wall. Slot introduced a three substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk came close to heading his side in front from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post. Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was ruled out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both sides had to settle for a share of the points.