Liverpool have reached half time on level terms with Southampton, but can consider themselves lucky not to be behind at Anfield.

The Reds, who have drawn seven of their last eight games, started brightly and almost found an early goal when Philippe Coutinho saw his shot met with a last-ditch block from Cedric Soares.

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Moments later, Liverpool were again threatening as James Milner found Emre Can at the near post and his flick on drifted narrowly wide of Maarten Stekelenburg's goal.

Jurgen Klopp's men nearly fell behind, however, when Graziano Pelle looked to shoot from the edge of the area, but Martin Skrtel managed to stick out a foot and block the Italian's strike.

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Midway through the half, Saints, who threw away a two-goal lead at home to Leicester City last weekend, were gifted a chance by Mamadou Sakho's weak header, which allowed Steven Davis to take aim at goal, only for the Ulsterman to produce a tame effort.

On the half-hour mark, stand-in captain Milner nearly broke the deadlock as the midfielder weaved through the Southampton backline before his drive flew just wide of the target.

However, Southampton perhaps ought to have taken a half-time lead when Virgil van Dijk was afforded a free header after Liverpool's defence had switched off at a set piece, but the Dutchman directed the ball straight at keeper Simon Mignolet.