• Liverpool's top-four hopes were hit in 0-0 draw with Southampton
• The hosts struggled to break down Southampton's defence
• James Milner missed a second-half penalty
• Saints keeper Forster made a late save from Grujic
• Southampton host Arsenal next, Liverpool travel to West Ham

LONDON: James Milner missed a penalty as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 home draw by Southampton on Sunday in a blow to their hopes of finishing in the top four and securing a place in next season's Champions League.

Phillippe Coutinho returned from the leg injury that saw him limp out of Monday's 1-0 win over Watford, but the Reds struggled to spark offensively against Southampton's resolute defence.

The hosts were handed a lifeline in the second half when referee Robert Madley pointed to the spot after Southampton defender Jack Stephens handled the ball in the box, but Fraser Forster got down smartly to his right to keep out Milner's spot kick.

Forster also tipped substitute Marko Grujic's late header over, leaving Liverpool third in the table on 70 points, a point clear of fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Later on Sunday, sixth placed Arsenal, who are 10 points behind Liverpool with three games in hand, host fifth-placed Manchester United, who are five adrift of Juergen Klopp's side having played two matches fewer.