Joe Allen: "We'll Make Sure Lessons are Learned"

There has been much debate on why Liverpool crumbled after an upturn in form, but there can be no doubt that it was an opportunity missed. Manchester United beat Manchester City at the Etihad later in the day, rubbing coarse salt into inviting wounds. Liverpool would have been four points behind Manchester City and just three points behind Manhcester United with an extra game to play.

Joe Allen was left at a loss after Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead to lose away to Southampton, joining the rest of us in utter disbelief as the second half vied with Dane Cook vehicle "Employee of the Month" as a modern monstrosity.

I don’t quite know. I don’t know what to say really, but we are all very disappointed. To be ahead like that and then throw it away is hugely disappointing. Our focus has been on the run, gaining that momentum and I thought for large spells it looked like we would keep that going, but to come away with nothing... we can’t look beyond that at the moment. We’ll make sure lessons are learned and for the rest of the season we’ll have to get that ball rolling and get some wins again.

Allen's disallowed goal seemed to be a possible turning point, but there were other chances to put the game behind Southampton's reach. Liverpool's next two games are against Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund, providing Jürgen Klopp's players with more than enough to focus their minds after the international break.

This kind of capitulation after having a two-goal lead at Sunderland wiped out last month might point to a mental fragility within the squad, but for now, the focus must be on bouncing back.