Liverpool's stumble into December continued at Anfield today despite a promising start against West Ham United.
The reds lost to the Hammers at Anfield last year, in that context a point can be technically chalked up as an improvement, but coming off the back of the defeat at Bournemouth a solitary point looks miserly.
Within 5 minutes the reds were in the lead but West Ham ended the half, somewhat strangely, 2-1 up.
Divock Origi scored an early second half equaliser but the game failed to advance much further as an out of sorts Liverpool side played in front of an out of sorts Anfield crowd.
The reds welcomed back Joel Matip to the starting line up but Emre Can missed out due to an injury collected on the training ground.
Adam Lallana was restored to the Liverpool starting line up for a return for an attack minded foursome.
And within 5 minutes he tucked away the first goal of the game, latching on to a Sadio Mane assist.
The reds looked confident, bright and positive but it wouldn't last.
Dimitri Payet has scored many free kicks in his time and in the 27th minute he added another, Karius getting a touch on the ball but not another - the eyes and pens of the frenzy ready to pounce on any mistake no matter how minor. There will be little mention of the dismal attempt by the Liverpool wall at preventing the shot.
Five minutes before half time the reds were behind. It was a ragged goal - a deflection looping over Joel Matip and Antonio on the end to poke past the keeper.
Within 3 minutes of the second half start the reds had made it 2-2. Mane's cross was dealt with dismally by Randolph in the West Ham goal and he pawed it at Origi who tapped it in.
Liverpool looked more likely to go on and win it and Randolph redeemed himself saving a rasping shot from Henderson but it was a disappointing result for Liverpool who now face two away games in the coming 8 days - away at Middlesbrough and then away at Everton in the two pre-Christmas fixtures.
The reds are 6 points behind leaders Chelsea and 3 points behind 2nd placed Arsenal.
