Liverpool and Hull City played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Saturday, The Reds securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign but failing to break down the resolute visitors.
Brendan Rodgers’ side looked far better for the last half an hour, once he brought on Rickie Lambert alongside Mario Balotelli and introduced Philippe Coutinho to provide some spark to the midfield.
It was Coutinho who provide the two best chances for the home side, both in stoppage time, forcing a superb save from Hull’s third-choice keeper, then a dazzling run set up Balotelli who was denied from six yards out.
The result, with Arsenal winning, drops The Reds down to sixth. After three games in six days, they do again on Tuesday night at Anfield, this time in the League Cup against Swansea.
Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling both look like they are in need of a rest for that match but Rodgers may be tempted to pair Balotelli and Lambert together as they look to gain form and confidence.
Here are the reactions of Liverpool fans and media after the match; there’s praise for Coutinho, frustrations at the slow first half and positives from a clean sheet at last!
Big improvement in @LFC play after Rickie Lambert came on. Credit to @HullCity, though. Defend stoically, keeper got a deserved ovation.
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) October 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/pauldalglish/status/526052654460723201
Signs of attacking play getting better today particularly in second half. Frustrating result but at least some signs of progress.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) October 25, 2014
Balo did well. Not *great*, but good 1st half shot, chance created for Lovren, should have had penalty, some nice link play. + some faults
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) October 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/Ste_Halliwell11/status/526039050625769472
https://twitter.com/beccaparry10/status/526053905030193153
5 home league games this season, and #LFC have created a total of 4 big chances. QPR had 5 against us last week! pic.twitter.com/PPN7TxQOoL
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) October 25, 2014
Vintage 2011/12 performance that, complete with a striker who's ponderous and out of his depth.
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) October 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/M_Sweeting/status/526039199573880832
Absolutely no reason why they couldn't have attacked like this from minute 1. The creativity came on with Coutinho & the 2nd striker.
— ML (@FootyML) October 25, 2014
And finally….
https://twitter.com/Kop305/status/526049133518675968
Fan Comments