Southampton never looked like they wanted to attack. They set up in a way that has become very familiar to Liverpool, (everyone behind the ball and hope for the counter) but its a way that they still have so much trouble breaking down. Southampton's midfield three of Romeu, Ward-Prowse and Davis held firm, never breaking from their positions and frustrating Liverpool's attacking creativity and forcing them to knock the ball round in hope of a break through. Coutinho had a long range effort that curled into the arms of Fraser Forster and Roberto Firmino capitalized on a rare lapse in concentration from Romeu but his shot was easily blocked, these were the only two chances of note in a dull first half.
Anybody hoping that a rousing speech from Jurgen Klopp at half time would bring the game to life were about to be very disappointed. It started in the same vein with Liverpool bossing possession but going nowhere with it. Emre Can still dizzy after his goal of the season contender against Watford smashed an effort over just before the hour for the half's first attempt at goal.Then the chance came, a cross was put into the Southampton box that saw Jack Stephens and Divock Orgi grappling for the header but Stephens ended up elbowing the ball back to his keeper. Spotted by the ref and penalty awarded. Up stepped the ever dependable James Milner, seven goals this season all from the penalty spot. Fraser Forster was immediately out playing mind games with the Liverpool captain which obviously worked as Forster used all of his six foot seven frame to save the penalty and keep the scores level.
With just over twenty minutes to go Klopp threw on Lallana and Strridge to try and find a way through Southampton's stubborn back line and Shane Long entered the fray for The Saints hoping to cause an issue for Liverpool with his endless ball chasing. The next real chance game for Southampton as Nathan Redmond blazed over after a nod down in the box. Then down the other end Daniel Sturridge showed a touch of class, skinning a defender but failing to put any power behind his shot. Finally the game came to life as Dusan Tadic found himself with a chance to feed Shane Long on the counter but his ball was over hit and cleared by Liverpool. Then in the dying embers of the game Grujic had a header tipped over the bar by Fraser Forster.
It was a poor performance from Liverpool, lacking any real danger in their attacks. Claude Puels tactics were carried out perfectly by his team, forcing Liverpool into long range efforts and aimlessly passing the ball for side to side. Klopp and Liverpool will have been glad to see Man United go down to Arsenal but they need better performances in the last games of the season if they want to secure the promised land of Champions League football.
