Source: Daily_Mail
Hull 3 Liverpool 0: Dalglish sees his £80m men shown up by more defensive howlers
Liverpool's preparations for the new Barclays Premier League season suffered an unhappy setback after they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Hull City.[LNB] All eyes going into this game were on ?20million winger Stewart Downing and ?16million midfielder Jordan Henderson, who were included in Liverpool's squad for the first time since their respective moves from Aston Villa and Sunderland.[LNB] Second best: Hull's Paul McShane (left) clears the ball from Liverpool striker Andy Carroll[LNB] But it turned out to be a forgettable afternoon for Kenny Dalglish's men, as they rarely threatened to create any chances and were undone by their enthusiastic hosts, who capitalised on some poor defending to run out easy winners.[LNB] With the new recruits consigned to the bench for the opening 45 minutes, there was a chance for some with questions hanging over their Anfield careers - such as Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani - to provide Dalglish with a reminder that they may be able to force their way back into his plans.[LNB] Liverpool, however, were rather one-paced during the first half and the home side took maximum advantage, charging into a two goal lead. Most significantly, they kept Liverpool's attack comfortably at arm's length during that period.[LNB] Both Hull's goals would have graced a far bigger occasion than this pre-season friendly. The first came on 21 minutes from Robert Brady, who bent a right-footed drive past Liverpool goalkeeper Alexander Doni after skipping inside a couple of timid challenges.[LNB] Plus point: Dalglish and Carroll will have been encouraged by Downing's supply of crosses[LNB] The second, which arrived on 34 minutes, was even better. Skipper Robert Koren was allowed to advance forward and, after playing a one-two with Aaron McLean, worked an angle to shape a left footed drive tantalisingly past Doni's flailing arms from 25 yards.[LNB] At the other end, Hull keeper Peter Gulacsi - who has only just moved to the KC Stadium on loan from Liverpool - remained untroubled. His old team-mates lacked imagination and seemed intent only on hitting long balls up to David Ngog. It was not a tactic that yielded any success.[LNB] Failed to shine: Charlie Adam[LNB]As had been the case in their previous friendlies in China and Malaysia, Dalglish sent a completely new line-up out after the re-start and, with Downing, Henderson, ?9m summer signing Charlie Adam and ?35m record signing Andy Carroll, it was much more interesting.[LNB] Sporting a pair of garish yellow boots, Downing almost made the perfect start to his Anfield career, exchanging deft passes with Dirk Kuyt before cracking a right-footed drive that forced Adriano Basso, Hull's replacement keeper, into evasive action.[LNB] There were some neat interchanges between Henderson and Downing and both Dalglish and Carroll will have been encouraged by Downing's determination to fire in crosses as soon as he received possession out wide.[LNB] Any hopes that Liverpool would fashion a comeback, though, were dashed on 58 minutes when Jay Simpson took advantage of some lax marking and poked a finish from 12 yards past Brad Jones after Dele Adebola had chested a cross into his path.[LNB] This might have only been Liverpool's third game since reporting back from their summer break but the fact they have conceded nine goals in that period means Dalglish and his staff have plenty to work on before the serious business begins.[LNB] Liverpool flop Jovanovic offered chance to strike it rich in the Middle EastLiverpool threaten to cut United's ticket allocation for Anfield clashCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME [LNB] [LNB]
