Liverpool's poor home form continues following draw
Gerrard's two goals earned Liverpool a point at Anfield
Also In The News
|
Joe Kinnear has admitted he fears Michael Owen will quit Newcastle United in the summer. |  |
Saturday, 13, Dec 2008 08:09
Liverpool's poor run of results at home in the Premier League continued after they drew 2-2 with Hull City.
The Reds needed two goals from Steven Gerrard to come from behind to earn a point at Anfield, though Rafael Benitez will fear that the result represents two points lost.
Liverpool have now drawn their last three home games and they started badly against Hull going 2-0 down after 20 minutes.
They responded well and Gerrard had them back on level terms before the break but the Reds could not find a way past Boaz Myhill to get the three points they desperately desired.
Liverpool enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout the game but were stunned by two goals against the run of play in the first quarter of the game.
Tigers defender Paul McShane was the unlikely goalscorer as he rose to meet Marlon King's cross to put Hull 1-0 up.
Andrea Dossena did himself no favours as McShane easily out-jumped him at the far post and guided his header past Pepe Reina.
Dossena almost redeemed himself soon after as he escaped down the left flank and crossed for Yossi Benayoun only for Sam Ricketts to deny the Israeli a tap in.
Liverpool then suffered a further set back as Bernard Mendy got past Dossena and into a crossing position. His centre was then diverted into his own net by Jamie Carragher to give the Tigers a surprising 2-0 lead midway through the first half.
However, Liverpool hit back almost immediately thanks to Gerrard. Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right fell at the midfielder's feet and he smashed home from six yards out.
It was soon 2-2 as the Reds surged forward. Kuyt again provided the cross but this time Benayoun found Gerrard before the England man applied the finish.
Xabi Alonso, Kuyt and Albert Riera all had chances to add to the scoresheet in the breathless first half but Hull managed to keep them at bay.
Liverpool continued their domination in the second half but could not manage to find the back of the net.
Sami Hyypia did manage to defeat Myhill but on that rare occasion the post came to Hull's rescue.
Benayoun was denied by a last-ditch tackle by Michael Turner before Myhill made good saves from Riera and Ryan Babel.
The Anfield fans sang the name of Robbie Keane as they sought the answer to their scoring troubles but Benitez chose to keep the £20 million man on the bench.
The result means Hull stay sixth, one point behind Arsenal, while the Reds go two points clear of Chelsea who play West Ham on Sunday.