Fraser knocks Milner off stride

JAMES Milner missed a second-half penalty as Liverpool’s hopes of securing a Premier League top-four spot suffered a blip in a goalless draw against Southampton.

It was a terrible spectacle for the supporters inside Anfield. Liverpool rarely tested Saints keeper Fraser Forster, bar the penalty and Marko Grujic’s header late in the game. The visitors, meanwhile, failed to muster even one effort on target.

The Reds’ best chance to score came in the 66th minute when they won a penalty after Southampton’s Jack Stephens was judged to have handled Lucas’ delivery.

Milner, who had not missed from the spot in the league since November 2009, saw his effort saved by Forster who dived low to his right. Seconds earlier, the England keeper approached the midfielder as he attempted to place the ball on the spot – and the tactic seemed to work.

The draw sees the Reds move up to third, above Manchester City, on 70 points. However, Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.