Liverpool's problems back as ideas dry up

Liverpool vice-captain James Milner apologised to his team-mates after his penalty miss cost the side victory against Southampton.

Manager Jurgen Klopp complained a dry Anfield pitch made things difficult for their playing style, but Milner was in no doubt where the blame lay and, as senior professional, shouldered the burden.

The 31-year-old’s effort was his first unsuccessful penalty in 13 attempts for the Reds - and his first miss from the spot since November 2009 - and came when Fraser Forster dived low to his right having engaged in some gamesmanship trying to rough up the penalty spot and put off the taker.