It's falling apart for Liverpool

Thompson received a manager-of-the-month award soon after he stepped into Houllier's shoes, and he speaks to his manager as often as five times a day. Clearly, though, contact by telephone is not enough. Together they doubtless agreed to spare Michael Owen and his injured ankle for a later date. The England striker had a fitness test yesterday, but did not appear in the starting line-up. And it was probably a joint decision to leave Emile Heskey on the bench. For him this promises to be a frustrating season, and one that could see him drop further down the England pecking order.

Jari Litmanen was preferred as Nicolas Anelka's strike partner, and the Finland international was one of the few Liverpool players to emerge with any credit from this contest at St Mary's Stadium. Twice he carved out chances for his colleagues, but the outstanding Paul Jones first denied Danny Murphy and then Anelka with terrific saves.

Southampton offered little in response in a less than enthralling first half, and the sight of Rory Delap limping off with an injury after 35 minutes should have provided Liverpool with some encouragement. Gordon Strachan had said he hoped to see Saints' £4million record signing make a real impression against their illustrious opponents, but it was not the home midfielder's night.

After the break, however, it was Southampton who seemed the more determined, and that began to alarm a frustrated Thompson, who barked his orders from the touchline to no avail.

When the contest reached its 57th minute he attempted to inject some urgency into Liverpool by releasing Heskey from the bench. It made little difference.

Heskey had been on the pitch for barely six minutes when Matt Oakley, who had replaced Delap, burst into the Liverpool penalty area and was chopped down by Sami Hyypia. Graham Poll, the referee, did not hesitate in pointing to the spot and Beattie made no mistake to score his 11th goal of the season.

In desperation Thompson turned to Riise, and how his inclusion backfired. With his first touch in the 71st minute he directed a Marian Pahars cross over Jerzy Dudek and into the back of his own net. It left Dudek as stranded as it did Liverpool, allowing a spirited Southampton to secure their sixth win in nine games. Strachan's arrival is starting to have the desired effect.

For Liverpool there was no such cause for celebration. In a month they have slipped from a commanding position at the top of the Premiership table to fifth. What's more, they are falling fast. Can they bounce back? A team of doctors will decide in Paris this weekend.

Southampton v Liverpool - match stats
Premiership table