Liverpool’s indifferent start to the season continued with a disappointing and extremely dull display from the players, in a goalless draw against Hull City in the Premier League. Despite playing at home and enjoying much of the possession Liverpool failed to create many goal-scoring opportunities.
More from Liverpool FC News
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- How are the Reds fairing on international duty?
- 4 Things we want to see after the international break
- Liverpool missed the boat not investing in a defender
The only positive from the game was perhaps the fact that Liverpool managed to keep a clean sheet for only the second time this season, albeit against a Hull side that looked hapless in attack. Mario Balotelli had opportunities to score for Liverpool but continued his barren run as Liverpool had to make do with just one point. Here are the LFC Player Ratings from that game.
May 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (1) against the United States at FirstEnergy Stadium. Belgium won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
GK: Simon Mignolet – 6.5/10
Despite not having to do anything almost throughout the game, Mignolet was good when called upon. Although most of the times all he had to do was hang on to a tame shot aimed straight at him. Commanded his box relatively well from set pieces.
LB: Alberto Moreno – 5/10
Wasn’t his usual attacking self. Stayed back and didn’t join the attacks that often, which led to Liverpool playing rather narrow up front. Didn’t have much to do defensively as Hull failed to get forward convincingly.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 6.5/10
Didn’t have to do much against an opposition that seemed unwilling to attack. But defended solidly even against a poor team and kept a clean sheet, which will always be a confidence boost.
CB: Martin Skrtel -6.5/10
Probably an identical performance to Dejan Lovren. Was solid while defending, made a couple of good clean tackles and distributed the ball well. Again, a clean sheet will do good to his confidence.
RB: Javier Manquillo – 5/10
Not much to say about his performance. Defended well enough when called upon, which was a very few times. Tried to get forward a lot but couldn’t really do much once he got the ball in advanced positions.
Aug 2, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard (8) kicks the ball during an international friendly against AC Milan at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
CDM: Steven Gerrard – 6/10
A solid outing, one that we have gotten used to seeing more often from the captain. Sat deep, distributed the ball well but didn’t do much else. Almost scored a goal in the 2nd half with a run reminiscent of his youthful days, but Hull was able to deal with him before he got his shot away.
RM: Emre Can – 6.5/10
Was one of the better players on display on the day. Made a couple of fantastic runs into the opposition half in the first 45 minutes, but his final ball failed him on both occasions. An otherwise energetic and encouraging display.
LM: Joe Allen – 5.5/10
Was expected to press the ball and give the Liverpool midfield some bite but failed to establish himself in the game. Misplaced passes on more than one occasion and wasn’t his usual energetic self. Was the first to be substituted.
RW: Raheem Sterling – 6/10
A tired performance from the youngster who looks to be losing confidence as he continues to play. Perhaps the pressure is getting to him as he often made the wrong decision by laying off the ball or holding on to the ball too long when a shot would have been the better option. The same time last season he wouldn’t have hesitated in shooting but seems to be unsure of what to do when in possession nowadays.
LW: Adam Lallana – 5.5/10
Was at the receiving end of some hard tackles by the Hull defenders and should have had a penalty in the first half, but for some reason didn’t appeal after being taken out by by an opposition defender. Produced a few sharp turns but looked lost out on the left hand side.
ST: Mario Balotelli – 6/10
It would be harsh to say that Mario Balotelli was bad because he really wasn’t. But his lack of form is really costing Liverpool as he ended up fluffing his lines on more than one occasion when it seemed that scoring a goal was easier. Maybe its true what they say: when you’re not in form nothing goes your way, as nothing went in Balo’s favour.
Subs:
Aug 4, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Liverpool forward Rickie Lambert (9) and Manchester United defender Jonny Evans (6) battle for the ball in the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Rickie Lambert – 6.5/10
This performance may well prompt Rodgers to think about playing two strikers up front in the next game. His arrival led to an immediate improvement in the play of Balotelli who seemed to have more space and freedom. Lambert even held the ball up well and created a few good chances for his teammates but was unable to create anything clear cut.
Philippe Coutinho – 6.5/10
His arrival after an hour brought a sense of much needed creativity and urgency. Was one of Liverpool’s best players despite featuring for only 30 minutes and provided a fantastic pass to Balotelli in stoppage time, only for the Italian to be thwarted.