Source: Liverpool_Echo
Hull City 0, Liverpool FC 0 - full time report
Liverpool's dismal season ended as it began, with a whimper, as they were second best in a goalless draw at relegated Hull.[LNB]If this was to be Rafael Benitez's last match in charge - and his future remains very much in doubt - it would be a sad end to his Anfield reign.[LNB]Hull had the better chances with Mark Cullen missing two close-range chances in the first half, while the closest Liverpool came was when Alberto Aquilani hit the crossbar just before the interval and Steven Gerrard a post moments before the final whistle.[LNB]It was the Reds' worst finish to a season since they came seventh in 1999.[LNB]The writing was on the wall from the moment they lost their opening match at Tottenham - the team who have replaced them in the Champions League places - and their efforts at the KC Stadium showed they had actually got worse since then.[LNB]Jack Robinson, 16, was sent on as a late substitute and became the Merseysiders' youngest first-team player in the process, though the Liverpool fans had little else to cheer.[LNB]With both sides having little to play for - at best Liverpool could finish sixth, their worst league performance since 1999 - the opening exchanges lacked any real urgency.[LNB]However, young Tigers midfielder Tom Cairney was relieved when his interception of Ryan Babel's pass to Nabil El Zhar, starting for the first time this season, flew wide of Matt Duke's left post.[LNB]That was a lot closer than Sotirios Kyrgiakos came with his header from Gerrard's corner, with the ball rolling out for a throw-in feet from where the Liverpool captain had delivered it.[LNB]El Zhar was at least trying to make the most of his opportunity and a right-foot 20-yard shot was tipped over by Duke in the 18th minute.[LNB]From Gerrard's corner the Moroccan's mis-hit shot bounced up to Dirk Kuyt whose back-header was nodded over the crossbar by George Boateng on the goalline.
