A frustrating goal-less draw at Anfield saw Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool drop a further 2 points as their faltering season continues to go downhill. Despite turning on the heat in the second half, a resilient Hull City led by Curtis Davies at the back held to a priceless draw as the fans and media turn their attention to the inability to score of a certain 16 million GBP striker – Mario Balotelli.
Here is a look at how the team fared :
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Rather untroubled throughout the game, the Belgian had a few long rang efforts to deal with which he did with consummate ease. A clever change of direction when being closed down by Abel Hernandez early on in the first half showed that despite what the papers say, there’s no confidence problem as far as the Belgian is concerned.
Javier Manquillo – 7/10
Young Manquillo showed in 90 minutes everything that Glen Johnson isn’t anymore. Tireless running up and down the right-flank coupled with defensive solidity, Manquillo’s recovery tackles were often applauded by the Kop throughout the game.
Martin Skrtel – 6/10
In a time when Liverpool central defenders are under the micro-scope, Skrtel put in yet another steady performance at the heart of the defence. The Slovakian did well to break up attacks, put in some crucial blocks and looked comfortable in possession.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Much has been talked about the Croatian’s shoddy start to his Liverpool career. In all fairness to the former Southampton man, he put in a commendable performance against Hull and very nearly got his name on the team-sheet as well.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Another tidy yet anonymous performance by the young Spaniard. Moreno was a convenient outlet on the left flank every time Liverpool went forward. Still needs to sharpen his overall game, Moreno looks like a bright prospect.
Steven Gerrard – 7/10
While the 34 year old skipper clearly doesn’t have the legs he once did, his passing from deep lying positions and set-piece delivery were absolutely spot-on against Hull. Still the best passer of the football in a Red shirt, Gerrard has a lot to offer that very few possess.
Emre Can – 8/10
The young German started his second consecutive game in the Barclays Premier League and was one of the better players on the pitch. His driving runs and physical presence in midfield is something Reds fans have been crying out for since the past few seasons.
Joe Allen – 6/10
In the starting 11 to replace Mr. Consistency – Jordan Henderson, Allen put in a decent shift in midfield. A tireless worker for the team, Allen showed more in the final third than he has before in a red shirt.
Adam Lallana – 6/10
The 26 year old creative midfielder had a less influential outing as compared to his own standards. After being denied a blatant penalty, Lallana did his best to affect the game but to no avail.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
The 19 year old has shouldered all the expectations of Reds fans for quite a while now. Visibly tiring, the youngster often showed burst of pace and trickery but was far from his best against a stubborn Hull side.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10
It seems Mario Balotelli wouldn’t be able to score a goal in a Red shirt if his life depended on it. Another frustrating afternoon for the Italian as he struggled to find the net all game and most importantly from 3 yards out in the dying moments of the game.