A DEJAN LOVREN header eight minutes into the second half gave Southampton all three points at Anfield this afternoon and handed Liverpool their first league defeat of the season.

The result was little more than the visitors deserved having out-fought, out-thought and generally out-played Liverpool for most of the game. Indeed, were it not for the heroics of Simon Mignolet, Southampton could easily have won by more.

Liverpool started the game with four centre-halves and without the injured Philippe Coutinho but it was the home side who produced the game’s first real chance,Artur Boruc pulling off a brilliant save to deny Jordan Henderson.

The home crowd were incensed with referee Nigel Swarbrick after a penalty appeal from Daniel Sturridge fell on deaf ears. Replays showed the Liverpool striker was caught by Lovren in the area.

For their part, Southampton were not afraid to come forward and Adam Lallana in particular looked threatening whenever he picked the ball up on the right and it was his corner that led to the game’s only goal.

Lovern lost Daniel Agger from the dead ball and his powerful header found its way into the Liverpool net.

The Reds were almost punished again moments later when Dani Osvaldo found space on the edge of the area, but Mignolet reacted well to save his low drive. The Belgian came to the rescue minutes later when he was forced to make a double save after left-back Luke Shaw had burst into the box.

Despite emptying the benches, Liverpool were unable to find any way through and so Merseyside rivals Everton remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League.

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