Philippe Coutinho's early long-range strike has given Liverpool a 1-0 half-time lead over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

The game got off to an explosive start with the hosts seeing a strong shout for a penalty turned down with less than a minute on the clock after Filip Djuricic - making his first start for the club - appeared to be bundled over by Emre Can inside the box.

That proved to be a pivotal moment as referee Kevin Friend waved away appeals, and just two minutes later the ball was in the back of the net up the other end courtesy of a powerful strike from Coutinho.

Having picked up the ball some 30 yards from goal, the Brazilian took range with a shot which swerved beyond Fraser Forster into the top corner via the crossbar.

It was Southampton's turn to attack once more as the frantic opening stages continued on the South Coast, although Eljero Elia could not direct his attempt goalwards following a scramble inside the area.

Chances proved to be few and far between for the remainder of the opening 45 minutes as both teams took turns to control possession, and it was not until the brink of half time that the next clear-cut opportunity arose.

Elia was involved once more, chasing down a long ball which Simon Mignolet did well to read, yet the Liverpool stopper looked to have handled the ball outside his area before clearing the danger.

The call once more went against the Saints, however, as the visiting side took their slender lead into the interval.