Liverpool 0-0 Southampton: Reds slip up on the final stretch – Milner penalty saved

Liverpool's quest for a top four finish took a serious dent with another disappointing home performance.

At the fourth attempt this season the reds once again failed to score a goal against Southampton, with James Milner missing his first penalty for 8 years when Fraser Forster saved at the bottom right hand post in the second half.

Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge were sent on after this penalty miss but they couldn't help the reds collect more than a point which hands an advantage back to Man Utd in the race for fourth.

Jurgen Klopp selected the same starting line up as the previous 3 games, with Coutinho returning from his 7th minute injury last Monday night.

Adam Lallana was named on the bench after Klopp said pre-match that his Monday night return from injury had been 'a bit too intense' - the player was sent on in just the 7th minute after a month long lay off.

The first half saw Southampton robustly defend, and the reds get away all the games shots - but the 3 first half shots were relatively easy for the giant keeper Forster to handle.

There was little excitement in the early afternoon sunshine for Liverpool fans to savour in what was a laboured LFC performance.

The second half began in the same vein, with the reds enjoying even more possession in the opening stages.

Emre Can had an attempt that went wide of the goal before the reds were awarded their penalty.  Origi leaped for a ball but the referee signalled the Saints defender had handballed and up stepped James Milner.

His penalty was saved at the foot of the right hand side by an outstretched Forster, symptomatic of both Liverpool and Milner's performance on the day.

Lallana and Sturridge came on and initially Daniel had a couple of chances but he was unable to make the breakthrough and injury time he too was caught dwelling on the ball at the edge of the area.

A tired, jaded and unimaginative performance from Liverpool who do not look like a side determined to qualify for the Champions League.

Next up a resurgent West Ham United in their final home game of the season.

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