Liverpool loss dents European aspirations

Liverpool’s hopes of making a late dash for the top four were dealt a huge blow as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds were trailing after just six minutes when Morgan Schneiderlin converted from Jay Rodriguez’s headed assist.

Rickie Lambert’s deflected free kick double the hosts advantage just after the half hour mark, before Philippe Coutinho gave Liverpool hope on the stroke of half time.

However, the Saints clinched victory when Rodriguez finished with ten minutes left to play after he saw his initial shot saved by Brad Jones.

The result sees the Reds slip a place to seventh, five points behind fifth place Arsenal, and nine behind the Champions League qualification positions.

Brendon Rogers’ men now have two weeks until they visit Aston Villa in their next game, due to the international break.

Meanwhile, Joe Allen has withdrawn from the Wales squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia.

Allen revealed last week the injury problems he has faced throughout the season, and now looks set to undergo surgery on his shoulder.

The 23 year old started in Saturday’s defeat, but was replaced by Lucas after just forty-five minutes.