For about 10 minutes it seemed as if Christian Benteke was going to be the difference between Liverpool and Southampton, earning Jurgen Klopp his first victory as the manager at Anfield. However, Sadio Mane had other ideas before getting sent off in a 1-1 draw.
Unlike the Manchester derby that preceded it, Liverpool and Southampton were full of energy and pace, but not so much with clinical finishing.
The first half was about stretches of high pressing from both teams, while a silent Anfield watched James Milner pull one just wide of the keeper, followed by an incredible save by Simon Mignolet as the highlight point of the first half.
Taking off Divock Origi and introducing Christian Benteke helped Liverpool take over the pitch, with Southampton defenders no longer able to relax any time the ball was passed or crossed towards the big Belgian striker.
Targeting Benteke paid off for Liverpool in the 77th minute when a James Milner cross connected with his head for a powerful finish, but nine minutes later, a foul by Milner allowed a free kick that resulted in Mane scoring the goal, left wide open.
Mane managed to pick up two yellow cards in a matter of minutes to give Liverpool some hope in the dying minutes of the match, but all they could muster were a few corner kicks that resulted in nothing, keeping them at mid table despite the excellent opportunity to catch up with the top 4 and with a fifth draw in a row in all competitions.