Liverpool saw their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffer a near-fatal blow after a damaging 1-0 defeat at Hull City.
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On a night when a number of the Reds’ supporters stayed away from the KC Stadium in order to protest against ticket prices, the visitors produced a limp performance against their relegation-threatened opponents.
Michael Dawson’s first-half header proved to be the winner, piling the pressure on under-fire Liverpool head coach Brendan Rodgers.
Here is how his men rated…
Simon Mignolet – 7/10
One of the few Liverpool players to emerge with some credit. It could have been worse without him between the sticks.
Emre Can – 5/10
The utility man has filled in well in defence for the most part this term, but this game demonstrated that he belongs in midfield.
Martin Skrtel – 5/10
The big defender’s distribution was extremely poor, which put his side under pressure and kept his team-mates on edge all night.
Dejan Lovren – 5/10
The ex-Southampton man just does not look comfortable in a Liverpool shirt, as if his £20m price tag is weighing him down.
Glen Johnson – 5/10
This could prove to be his last game in a Liverpool shirt. Set to leave for free this summer and did nothing tonight to make himself irreplaceable.
Joe Allen – 6/10
Did his best to make the visitors tick and kept going when those around him let their heads drop, but couldn’t produce the magic final ball.
Jordan Henderson – 5/10
Would have been more eager than most to make an impression, donning the captain’s armband and fresh from his contract extension. But nothing came off for him.
Philippe Coutinho – 7/10
As usual the heartbeat of this team, he was let down by his colleagues. Did what he could to change the game but needs support.
Jordan Ibe – 5/10
He may go on to enjoy a fine career on Merseyside, but the youngster was not effective at the KC Stadium and needs to do more to earn a regular spot.
Mario Balotelli – 5/10
Another stinker from the £16m flop unfortunately. Surely a candidate for the worst signing of the season, by anyone.
Raheem Sterling – 5/10
Lacked the quality and intensity to which fans have become accustomed and it contributed to his side’s downfall.
Substitutes:
Adam Lallana (for Ibe, ’65) – Neat and tidy but could not put his stamp on the contest.
Rickie Lambert (for Balotelli, ’65) – An improvement on the Italian but did not find the coveted equaliser.
Lazar Markovic (for Lovren, 76) – Looked short on confidence after being dropped.
