🔗 Share this article Leeds Hold Liverpool at Bay to Earn Valuable Draw at Anfield A pair of undefeated runs continued intact at Anfield, however solely one team could take genuine contentment from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect game plan of frustrating and restricting the hosts, with the maiden scoreless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues within the reigning title holders' latest upturn. Resolute Masterclass Earns Crucial Result A drab scoreless stalemate, the initial in 84 matches for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the immense dominance of the excellent centre-back pairing Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact Leeds defence. Liverpool were reduced to hopeful half-chances, and a sprinkling of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a laboured display. "If I don't use the entire group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager explained. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all know his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in red-hot form but it's vital I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the emotion." The Hosts' Frustration in the Final Third Liverpool initially displayed more energy and sharpness than in recent matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. The home side's primary openings in the opening half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké. Following a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French international cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, needing a timely intervention from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball. Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; although staying on his feet, his appeals for a spot-kick were waved away. Spurned Chances Are Pivotal Ekitiké's evening was compounded when he did not manage to hit the target with his best opening. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the attacker miscued a header that struck the goalkeeper while facing an unguarded net. For Leeds, their clearest opportunity came from an Liverpool goalkeeper mistake. The Brazilian shot-stopper played a careless pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot back down the centre was gathered by the recovering goalkeeper. Scrappy Conclusion The match descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. Dominik Szoboszlai, back from suspension, tested Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving Liverpool a set-piece in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence. Slot made a triple change to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his side in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just past the post. Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was flagged out for a tight offside. Ultimately, both sides had to accept a share of the spoils.