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Liverpool suffer Champions League blow in draw with Southampton


Liverpool midfielder James Milner’s first missed penalty in more than seven years cost his side victory at home to Southampton but the damage was limited by Arsenal’s win over Manchester United, which kept Champions League qualification within the Reds’ hands.
Milner’s 66th-minute spot-kick in the goalless draw was saved by Fraser Forster – the 31-year-old’s first failure from the spot in 13 attempts for the club and his first since November 2009 – as Saints kept a fourth successive clean sheet this season against Jurgen Klopp’s side, extended their goal drought against the south coast club to 428 minutes since Daniel Sturridge scored in the 22nd minute of a 3-2 defeat at St Mary’s in March last year.
Although the point lifted Liverpool into third it left them susceptible to being caught by fifth-placed United, who kicked off later in the day five points behind with two matches in hand, but a 2-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium puts the Merseysiders’ destiny back in their own hands.
Liverpool midfielder James Milner: “It was my fault for us not getting the three points today, definitely my fault. I take responsibility. Fraser’s a good keeper. I can’t do any more than hold my hands up and apologise to the boys. With these games we knew what we had to do and we haven’t done it. But you can’t create more chances than have a penalty – ultimately that was the big chance and it wasn’t taken.”
Southampton manager Claude Puel: “Two draws, two wins and four clean sheets is a fantastic job against this team. It was difficult for us to make some counter-attacks, but it is fantastic work from the squad. We defended very well, with good structure, organisation and discipline.”

Tweet of the match

Star man – Fraser Forster

In a game that generally disappointed as a spectacle, Southampton’s England goalkeeper produced the stand-out moment of quality when he dived to his right and palmed away Milner’s effort from 12 yards. He also did well to tip over a late Marko Grujic header. Saints centre-backs Jack Stephens – despite giving away the penalty with a handball – and Maya Yoshida impressed as well.

Moment of the match

Forster’s penalty save. It was interesting to note Forster standing by Milner and speaking to him just prior to the spot-kick being taken. If it was an attempt to intimidate the Liverpool man, it seems it may have worked.

View from the bench

As well as being frustrated at his side’s performance in this match, Klopp will perhaps wonder what might have been had he introduced Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana sooner than the 69th minute – the hosts looked far more threatening once they were on. Opposite number Claude Puel will no doubt be happy with a point earned after his team produced a display that was low on entertainment but very commendable in terms of defensive organisation.

Player ratings

Liverpool: Simon Mignolet: 6, Nathaniel Clyne: 6, Dejan Lovren: 6, Joel Matip: 6, James Milner: 5, Lucas Leiva: 6, Georginio Wijnaldum: 5, Emre Can: 5, Roberto Firmino: 5, Philippe Coutinho: 6, Divock Origi: 5. Substitutes: Adam Lallana (for Lucas, 69 mins): 7, Daniel Sturridge (for Origi, 69): 7, Marko Grujic (for Wijnaldum, 87): 6.
Southampton: Fraser Forster: 8, Cedric Soares: 6, Jack Stephens: 7, Maya Yoshida: 8, Ryan Bertrand: 6, James Ward-Prowse: 6, Oriol Romeu: 7, Steven Davis: 7, Dusan Tadic: 6, Sofiane Boufal: 5, Manolo Gabbiadini: 5. Substitutes: Nathan Redmond (for Boufal, 60): 6, Shane Long (for Gabbiadini, 69): 6.

Who’s up next?

West Ham and Liverpool players battle for the ball
West Ham take on Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
West Ham v Liverpool (Premier League, May 14)
Southampton v Arsenal (Premier League, May 10)

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