🔗 Share this article Leeds Hold The Reds at Arm's Length to Secure Valuable Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten records remained intact at Anfield, but solely one side could derive real satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign highlighting the persistent issues behind the current champions' recent upturn. Resolute Display Secures Crucial Result A drab goalless stalemate, the initial in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily due to the immense dominance of the outstanding defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's failure to break down a compact Leeds unit. The Merseysiders were limited to hopeful opportunities, and a smattering of discontent echoed around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance. "Should I do not use the whole squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not make changes," the manager stated. "With a footballer like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his past couple of years was difficult. He is in red-hot form but it's important I look after him and sometimes the mind needs to win over the heart." Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal Liverpool at first displayed more energy and precision than in previous matches, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. Nevertheless, golden chances were scarce. Their best openings in the first half fell to forward Hugo Ekitiké. Following a smart one-two with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a save from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The Leeds' goalkeeper spilled the effort, requiring a timely block from James Justin to stop Florian Wirtz converting the loose ball. Ekitiké later raced through onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a penalty were waved away. Missed Chances Are Costly Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to find the target with his best chance. Connecting with a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker miscued a header that struck the Perri while with an open goal. For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal came from an Liverpool goalkeeper error. The Brazilian keeper sent a careless pass straight to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose instant shot returned towards goal was saved by the alert goalkeeper. Turgid Conclusion The match deteriorated into a scrappy affair, low on incident. The midfielder, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The resulting rebound led to Ampadu controlling the ball, giving the hosts a set-piece in a dangerous area, which Wirtz sent into the wall. The Liverpool manager introduced a three substitution to bring impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his team in front from a corner, his header bouncing just past the post. Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had extended his goal streak for the visitors in the final minutes, but his tap-in was ruled out for a marginal offside. In the end, both teams had to accept a single of the spoils.