Sadio Mane's 86th-minute equaliser has earned Southampton a point at Liverpool and denied Jurgen Klopp his first win as manager of the Merseyside club.

The Reds, who were held to a 1-1 draw against Rubin Kazan in midweek, went close to taking an early lead when Cedric Soares produced a last-ditch block to deny Philippe Coutinho.

Southampton's Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane (4th L) scores their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north west England on October 25, 2015 © Getty Images

Emre Can then narrowly missed the target with an intricate flick from James Milner's corner as Liverpool tried to avoid an eighth draw in nine games.

After Graziano Pelle's drilled shot was blocked by the outstretched foot of Martin Skrtel, the Reds almost gifted the Saints the lead as Mamadou Sakho's misplaced header presented a chance to Steven Davis, but his meak effort rolled into the grasp of Simon Mignolet.

Milner tried to engineer an opening for the hosts later in the first half as he dribbled his way into the Southampton area before unleashing a shot, which drifted narrowly wide.

Christian Benteke of Liverpool heads the ball to score his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on October 25, 2015 © Getty Images

However, Ronald Koeman's men almost seized a half-time advantage as Liverpool appeared to switch off when defending a free kick, which allowed Virgil van Dijk a free header, but Mignolet managed to tip the ball around the post.

Klopp decided to turn to Christian Benteke at half time in a bid to inject some life his side's performance.

Liverpool went close to taking the lead before the hour mark as Alberto Moreno drilled a pass across the face of goal and failed to pick out Adam Lallana in the centre of the box.

Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on October 25, 2015 in Liverpool, England. © Getty Images

The Reds finally broke through with 13 minutes left as a well-placed cross from Milner was met by a strong header from Benteke, which found the top corner of the net.

However, Mane scored his fifth goal in as many games, bundling home a close-range finish, which Mignolet was unable to get a hand on.

Mane was then sent off in stoppage time for his second booking in a short space of time, but the Saints were able to hold out for a draw.