🔗 Share this article Leeds Keep The Reds at Bay to Secure Hard-Fought Draw at Anfield A pair of unbeaten runs continued in place at Anfield, however solely one side could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United carried out a textbook game plan of frustrating and containing the hosts, with the maiden goalless draw of Arne Slot's tenure highlighting the persistent issues behind the reigning champions' recent upturn. Resolute Display Earns Vital Point A lacklustre goalless draw, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was primarily attributable to the immense solidity of the excellent defensive duo Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, combined with the Anfield side's inability to unlock a compact visitors' unit. The Merseysiders were reduced to speculative half-chances, and a sprinkling of boos echoed around the stadium at the full-time signal on a sluggish display. "Should I do not use the entire group and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to look after him. We all are aware his recent history was difficult. He is in red-hot shape but it's vital I manage him and sometimes the head needs to prevail over the emotion." Liverpool's Struggle in Front of Goal Liverpool initially displayed more energy and precision than in previous outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the flank. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Their best moments in the first half involved striker Hugo Ekitiké. After a smart exchange with Curtis Jones, the France forward drifted infield and forced a stop from keeper Lucas Perri at his near post. The visitors' goalkeeper spilled the effort, needing a crucial block from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz converting the rebound. Ekitiké later sprinted through onto a ball over the top but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite not going down, his shouts for a spot-kick were waved away. Missed Chances Prove Pivotal Ekitiké's afternoon was compounded when he failed to find the target with his clearest opening. Meeting a swift Frimpong delivery in the goal area, the attacker misdirected a glance that struck the Perri while with an unguarded net. For Leeds, their clearest sight of goal arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced shot-stopper sent a careless pass straight to disruptor Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time effort returned towards goal was saved by the recovering goalkeeper. Scrappy Final Stages The match descended into a bitty affair, devoid on quality. The midfielder, back from a ban, forced a save from Perri from range. The subsequent scramble led to Ampadu handling the ball, giving the hosts a free-kick in a dangerous position, which Wirtz sent into the wall. Slot introduced a three change to inject impetus, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to heading his side in front from a corner, his effort bouncing just past the post. Late introduction Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had continued his scoring run for the visitors in the closing minutes, but his tap-in was flagged out for a marginal offside. Ultimately, the two sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.