Liverpool's familiar defensive failings cost them again as a late Bournemouth equaliser at Anfield saw the Reds drop a vital two points in the Champions League race.

Philippe Coutinho's ninth goal of the season and a second from Divock Origi looked to have given Jurgen Klopp's men a come from behind victory over a spirited Bournemouth.

But a Josh King equaliser after 87 minutes saw the Reds once again fail to beat one of the division's lesser lights.

The visitors had taken the lead within eight minutes through Benik Afobe as Liverpool struggled to match the quality of their Merseyside derby win.

Coutinho though levelled on 41 minutes and Origi headed what looked to be winner just before the hour mark.

But King turned Klavan in the box late on to produce yet another unwanted twist in the fight for the top four.

Despite starting slowly the first real chance was Liverpool's, Lucas flicking a Coutinho header across goal but Dejan Lovren just couldn't reach it.

It was Gini Wijnaldum who gifted the visitors the lead on eight minutes. His back pass to Mignolet lacked awareness and pace, allowing Benik Afobe to latch on to it and steer it into the Kop net past the advancing keeper.

Bournemouth almost had a second halfway through the first period. A Simon Francis corner fell to an unmarked Marc Pugh at the back post and his volley looked all over a goal but somehow went the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool finally stirred with Wijnaldum and Firmino testing Artur Boruc from distance.

Origi missed a good chance at the back post after another near-post flick on froma corner while a Coutinho free-kick went just the wrong side of the post.

The Reds levelled on 41 minutes with a goal made and finished in Brazil.

Mignolet's clearance was flicked on by Origi and gathered in by Firmino.

His clever pass put Coutinho in on goal and he managed to just keep his feet and slip it past Boruc.

Liverpool started better in the second half and Nathaniel Clyne's stunning shot required a superb Boruc save and the crossbar to keep it out just a couple of minutes in.
His curling cross just evaded Origi but the Belgian wasn't to be denied.

Wijnaldum made up for his earlier mistake with a good run and cross which found Origi unmarked in front of goal and he made no mistake with his tenth of the year.
Klopp brought on Matip for Coutinho as he went three at the back, a rare show of caution from the Reds manager.

But it wasn't enough as Arter's shot fell to King who turned Klavan quickly and fired past a helpless Mignolet.

Late chances came to Firmino, Origi and Klavan but it wasn't to be and Liverpool really only have themselves to blame.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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