Liverpool title challenge undermined as Jurgen Klopp's hand forced in transfer window

It's an issue that is seriously undermining Liverpool's hopes of retaining their title.

But it is a destiny they are firmly in control of as long as the transfer window is open.

And while the Reds ' centre-back shortage is almost certainly not the root cause for this bitterly disappointing setback, this is now a long-term problem that could ultimately decide whether or not the Premier League continues to reside in Anfield's trophy cabinet beyond May.

The sight of captain Jordan Henderson lining up alongside Fabinho in an all-midfield centre-back partnership was the loud siren that simply has to force Jurgen Klopp and co into the market this month.

Make no mistake, the champions failed to sparkle on the road once more at St Mary's. A listless display was enough to see this game drift past them and the lack of any real chances carved out will be a major concern.

But at some point, it is fair to surmise that their attacking verve will return in spades. The champions' attacking armoury is simply too powerful for it not to.

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Defensively, though, their issues are more pointed. Decisive action must be taken.

Just 111 seconds into the game, Klopp's tactical gamble had backfired and while Danny Ings' opener was not a result of any poor defensive work from either Fabinho or Henderson, would a commanding senior centre-back have prevented such a lapse at the back?

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Trent Alexander-Arnold will know he could have done better from James Ward-Prowse's whipped free-kick that allowed Ings in, but irrespective of that one incident, that Liverpool's patched up defence was exposed so quickly is further evidence of why a re-think is needed over recruitment.

Respectively, Henderson and Fabinho are two of the finest midfielders in the top flight, but a defensive partnership, they are not. Even allowing for Fabinho's stellar form this season.

Criticism of the Brazilian will be minimal here, as it should be. Liverpool's position would be a lot more worrying had it not been for the contributions of him over the winter months.

But with Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk all on the shelf, a move must be made in the transfer market, sooner rather than later.

An awful lot could rest on it.