Liverpool missed an opportunity to give themselves some breathing space in the top four with a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

The Reds got off to a shaky start as Benik Afobe pounced on a loose back-pass to beat Simon Mignolet after just seven minutes.

Jurgen Klopp’s side responded to the surprise setback with vigour and got their reward with an exquisite Philippe Coutinho finish from a lovely pass by Roberto Firmino.

SUBMIT AN ARTICLE

Apply to become a GMS writer by signing up and submitting a 250-word test article: http://gms.to/haveyoursay5

The home side came close to taking the lead on several occasions before Georginio Wijnaldum – whose error gifted the Cherries their opener – made amends with an assist for Divock Origi’s 59th-minute header.

Liverpool had no shortage of chances to kill the game off during the second half and were made to rue their wastefulness when Joshua King found space inside the box to tuck home a dramatic late equaliser.

The result saw Liverpool drop two crucial points that could've put them four clear of Manchester City in fourth position – the thought of which Klopp claimed made him feel physically ill.

The German – who was forced to substitute Coutinho in the second period allegedly due to illness – said he experienced a similar feeling when the visitors snatched their late goal.

"We could have scored the third goal probably and we had the chances on counter-attack but then we had to change Phil (Coutinho) because he felt sick in half-time,” Klopp said, as per the Liverpool Echo.

"He said he feels better now and that's good. But it's clear when he gives a sign we have to change. There is no joy when you have to take of your best player in this moment on the pitch because he played really well.

"We had moments and usually you can close the game in one moment. We didn't, we left it open and then a second ball after a set piece which made me actually almost vomit. that's of course not nice."

Liverpool have now equalled their tally of 60 points from last season when they finished eighth, but they can ill afford not to build on it if they are to secure a Champions League place for next term.