🔗 Share this article

A pair of unbeaten runs remained intact at Anfield, but solely one team could take real contentment from the result. Leeds United executed a textbook strategy of stifling and containing the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the lingering issues within the reigning champions' latest upturn.

Defensive Display Secures Vital Result

A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily due to the defensive solidity of the outstanding centre-back pairing Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact visitors' unit. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the famous ground at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I do not utilise the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to prevail over the emotion."

Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially displayed more zip and precision than in previous matches, with the right wing-back influential on the flank. However, golden chances were few and far between. Their best moments in the opening period fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France international cut inside and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper spilled the effort, requiring a timely intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a ball over the top but was held by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his appeals for a penalty were waved away.

Spurned Chances Prove Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to find the net with his best opening. Meeting a pacy Frimpong cross in the six-yard box, the striker miscued a glance that hit the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable sight of goal came from an Alisson mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper sent a careless pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Scrappy Conclusion

The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from distance. The subsequent rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, awarding Liverpool a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the wall.

Slot made a triple change to bring impetus, and moments later Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had extended his scoring streak for Leeds in the closing minutes, but his finish was flagged out for a tight offside. In the end, both teams had to settle for a single of the spoils.