Hull City 1 – 0 Liverpool: Player Ratings

As Michael Dawson rose above all Liverpool defenders and thumped his header home, so did all Liverpool hopes of sneaking into the final Champions League spot go down the drain. On a rather chilly evening at the KC stadium, Steve Bruce’s Hull City delivered a final blow to Liverpool’s European aspirations as they mount their campaign against relegation. Here are the player ratings from a dull 1-0 victory for Hull against a lacklustre Liverpool.

Hull City – (3-5-2)

Steve Harper – 7/10

The veteran keeper justified his selection in the Hull side for the second game running with a steady performance between the sticks.

James Chester – 7/10

The 26 year old Welshman had a brilliant game on the right side of the back-three against the pace of Sterling.

Michael Dawson – 8/10

The former Spurs man was pivotal in his performance at the heart of defence. The match-winner on the day took his chance with aplomb.

Paul McShane – 6/10

Solid in defence, defended deep and stood his ground as Liverpool probed and probed all game.

Ahmed Elmohamady – 7/10

The Egyptian provided the pass of the game as he bent his cross into the Liverpool back four for the winner.

Jake Livermore – 7/10

The former Spurs man worked tirelessly in midfield as he provided the legs for his partner and less mobile Huddlestone.

Tom Huddlestone – 6/10

The midfield schemer calmed things down when in possession and defended well.

Robbie Brady – 7/10

The former Manchester United youngster was given a run for his money by teenager Jordan Ibe at the start of the game, but caught up and shunned the youngster out as the game progressed.

Stephen Quinn – 7/10

The Irishman justified his selection ahead of Gaston Ramirez with a hard-working performance.

Sone Aluko – 8/10

The Nigerian was a pest that the Liverpool back-four could simply not deal with. Tireless.

Dame N’Doye – 7/10

The Senegalese forward held up the play for Steve Bruce’s side all game.

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Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Simon Mignolet – 7/10

Couldn’t do much about the goal. Pulled off some brilliant saves too.

Emre Can – 5/10

In an unfamiliar right-back role; Can failed to impress as he normally does.

Martin Skrtel – 6/10

Defensively solid, made some crucial clearances too.

Dejan Lovren – 6/10

Following up from his improved performance against West Brom, Lovren gave a good account of himself despite having to limp off.

Glen Johnson – 5/10

Barring the one moment of magic down the left flank late in first half injury time, a poor game from the former England international.

Joe Allen – 6/10

Worked very hard in midfield yet failed to establish any dominance in midfield.

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

The Liverpool skipper on the day was pumped up and worked his socks off to no avail.

Jordan Ibe – 6/10

Hugging the touchline for most parts of the game, young Ibe started brightly and later faded out.

Phillipe Coutinho – 7/10

Liverpool’s best player on the day as it is the case these days. Arguably the only player carrying a goal threat.

Raheem Sterling – 6/10

All smoke and no fire sums up young Sterling’s performance. No faulting his effort but the youngster simply looked disjointed.

Mario Balotelli – 4/10

And the nightmare continues; Italian striker Mario Balotelli simply looks like a shadow of the striker that ripped Germany to shreds in Euro 2012.