Klopp still in search of win as Liverpool held by Southampton

The hosts, though appeared evenly matched in the centre of the park, with Steven Davis and Victor Wanyama demonstrating a combination of protection, support and imposition, while Jordy Clasie’s endeavour and silkiness on the ball offered ample flair.

Playing mainly on the break, it was perhaps Sadio Mane boasting the biggest danger for Klopp’s side and former Saint Nathaniel Clyne was time and again forced into reverse to track him down.

Liverpool left back Alberto Moreno went close on a number of occasions and was a constant threat as a useful outlet in the channel, contributing much needed width, though also proved he can be potentially potent in front of goal.

Shortly before the break however, Virgil van Dijk had what turned out to be the chance of the half, though could only direct his header towards the near post from a free-kick with Simon Mignolet parrying.

Late flourish not enough for either side

Klopp introduced Christian Benteke for the second period and while his presence gave Southampton something to think about, chances were largely kept to a minimum until the final 10 minutes.

Milner, whose energy was a vital asset to the Reds throughout received wide on the right, looked up and caressed the ball providing a perfect delivery, which was met with a bullet header by the Belgian forward.

However, there was to be a twist in the plot. Forgotten man Gaston Ramirez was brought on for the Saints as Ronald Koeman rolled the dice and his decision paid off.

Nodding back across goal from a delivery he found Mane who bundled over the line to even things out, though two silly challenges earned him a dismissal in the last minute of the match to blot his day’s copybook.

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