Liverpool scored twice but their two goals were sadly sandwiched between 2 Bournemouth strikes at either end of the game as the reds suffered a disappointing Anfield draw on a night which saw Arsenal and Spurs both win.
The reds could have consolidated their position in the top four but despite positive phases of play they were never at their best.
Sadio Mane was the expected absentee, he was replaced by Divock Origi. Joel Matip wasn't deemed fit enough to start after collecting a knock in the Merseyside derby - he started from the bench with Ragnar Klavan in to replace him.
Sturridge was also named on the bench for the reds his first involvement for the reds since February.
Bournemouth started Jordon Ibe, the former red making his first Anfield appearance since he left for the south coast. Also back at his former club was Australian left back Brad Smith - he was on the Cherries bench.
Liverpool did start brightly - with Firmino winning an early corner after a shot was saved and then Lovren coming close to putting away the resultant corner. But a defensive error gave the away side the lead.
After a horrendous backpass from Gini Wijnaldum Benik Afobe opened the scoring for Bournemouth.
Liverpool pushed and prodded to get back in the game but they faced a wall of physical activity with the south coast side working hard to keep the reds at bay. Eventually the gates were unlocked.
A Divock Origi header found Firmino, and the Brazilian threaded a ball through to his international teammate. It was a fine move which ended when Coutinho fired in the equaliser.
The reds came out all guns blazing in the second half. Birthday boy Nathaniel Clyne saw a fine 25 yard strike tipped onto the crossbar by the keeper denying him a special goal. Origi had a chance, headed away.
Eventually the reds got themselves into the lead just before the hour, just like Saturday, up stepped Divock Origi. Wijnaldum was at the edge of the area and sent over a looping cross that the Belgian strikers smashes in with his head.
Coutinho had to leave the field and after being replaced by Matip he headed straight down the tunnel. More injury concerns.
With 3 minutes of normal time left, Bournemouth nabbed the equaliser. A scramble in Liverpool's penalty area and Josh King was available to turn the ball in and snatch two points off the reds to collect one for his own side.
Liverpool's record without Sadio Mane in the squad stands at just 1 victory in 10 matches this season. The reds are going to have to improve enormously in the final 7 games of the season.
