🔗 Share this article

A pair of undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a textbook strategy of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the current title holders' latest upturn.

Resolute Display Secures Vital Point

A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the immense dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, coupled with the home side's failure to unlock a well-drilled Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful half-chances, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the stadium at the final whistle on a sluggish display.

"If I don't use the whole group and we have a schedule like this, I would never make changes," the manager explained. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect 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 win over the heart."

The Hosts' Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially showed more energy and sharpness than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their primary openings in the opening half fell to striker Hugo Ekitiké.

• Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and drew a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his front post.
• The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz tapping in the rebound.
• Ekitiké later sprinted clear onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed.

Spurned Chances Prove Pivotal

Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he did not manage to find the target with his best chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the striker misdirected a glance that hit the goalkeeper while with an open goal.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson error. The experienced shot-stopper sent a wayward pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant effort back towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper.

Turgid Final Stages

The match deteriorated into a bitty affair, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, forced a save from Perri from distance. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the wall.

Slot introduced a three substitution to inject urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in ahead from a set-piece, his effort bouncing just past the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his goal run for Leeds in the final stages, but his finish was flagged out for a marginal offside call. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.