Southampton defender Jack Stephens admitted frustration after defeat at Liverpool.

Stephens, deputising at left-back in the absence of the injured Ryan Bertrand, was critical of the two goals Saints gave away, having competed so well throughout, and too Saints' work in front of goal after creating enough chances to warrant a more favourable scoreline.

"A lot of frustration," the defender reflected. "Played really well; some good football and good chances. We haven't put those chances away and we've conceded two really poor goals.

"I'm just disappointed because we've shown we can compete against teams like Liverpool. For us to take that next step, to go to the next level, you can't just come here and put up a good performance and lose 2-0.

"We need to learn from that. Take that forward for next year. We need to be a bit more ruthless when we get chances and be more clinical in front of goal. The two goals we gave away tonight were also really poor.

"They punish you when they get half a chance; that's what happens when you come to places like this. It's difficult at the moment, because it's still quite raw. We need to improve."