A first Liverpool defeat in thirteen games further dented their Premier League title defence.
The reigning champions went down 1-0 away to Southampton, with an ex-Red coming back to haunt Jurgen Klopp.
They stay top of the table on goal difference from Manchester United, but have now played a game more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
The Liverpool manager said before the game he would accept the blame if his makeshift centre-half partnership cost him points.
And the visitors fell behind inside 2-minutes at St. Mary's. A crafty free-kick was met by former Liverpool striker Danny Ings.
Having shaken off his marker Trent Alexander-Arnold, the diminutive striker dinked the ball past Alisson to give Southampton an early lead.
Thiago had conceded the free-kick that led to the goal, and shortly afterward collected a booking.
What a start for #SaintsFC! 😇
Ings scores against his former club with a lovely finish after catching out the #LFC defence!
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Jurgen Klopp's side appeared nervy, perhaps informed by their makeshift centre-half partnership comprised of a pair of seasoned midfielders.
Southampton deserved their 1-0 half time lead, with Theo Walcott keeping the visitors' defence honest, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson unable to raid the flanks as they'd have wished.
Liverpool started the second half like a house on fire, forcing an early corner and loud shouts for a penalty when Jack Stephens handled a Georginio Wijnaldum shot. Despite a review by VAR, a spot kick was not forthcoming.
They Merseysiders' press was smothering the Saints, but for all their attacking intent the final ball was often lacking.
It was 15-minutes before full-time before Liverpool drew a save from stand-in keeper Fraser Forster. Sadio Mane's weak effort was collected comfortably by the ex-Celtic man.
Where is Alisson going?!
Valery almost seals the win for #SaintsFC but Henderson denies him on the goal line!
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/LkmDaBJOTA— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 4, 2021
Yan Valery had the chance to put the game to bed with seven minutes remaining.
The substitute found himself one-on-one with the on-rushing Alisson outside the Liverpool area, but his shot was mopped up by the backtracking Jordan Henderson.
Liverpool continued to probe as the seconds ticked down, but never got closer than arm's length to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.
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