Liverpool suffered a post-international hangover at St Mary's stadium when they failed to break through the Southampton rearguard.
A rare Liverpool clean sheet was delivered but sadly, at the other end, a rare Liverpool shut-out.
That wasn't for the lack of trying - the reds had a host of chances which only intensified in the second half.
The reds remain top of the Premier League for now but Man City won to join Liverpool on 27 points.
Coutinho starts
Dejan Lovren returned to the starting Liverpool line up replacing Lucas Leiva. Adam Lallana wasn't fit enough to be included in the squad - Gini Wijnaldum marking a return to the starting XI.
Phil Coutinho was deemed fit enough after a precautionary scan - although he was some way off his best over the course of the game.
Liverpool chances
The reds dominated the first half - although initially Southampton kept the chances to the bare minimum. They had clearly approached the game with a plan of containment rather than adventure.
It wasn't until the end of the half that Sadio Mane had two opportunities to give the reds the lead. Thwarted by a save by Fraser Forster and a tackle by Virgil Van Dijk on the two occasions.
And in the second half Coutinho could have helped himself to a couple - and even Nathaniel Clyne headed off target when Sturridge found him in penalty box space.
This performance was reminiscent of a post-European game performance.
The reds though will end the weekend either 1st or 2nd depending on Chelsea's result.
