Liverpool ended a run of two straight defeats by recording a 2-0 victory over Hull City at Anfield this afternoon.
Centre-back Daniel Agger broke the deadlock during the first half, before leading goalscorer Luis Suarez made sure of the outcome after the restart.
Below, Sports Mole looks back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one.
Match statistics:
Liverpool:
Shots 17
On target 6
Possession 59%
Corners 3
Fouls 15
Hull:
Shots 10
On target 0
Possession 41%
Corners 4
Fouls 15
Was the result fair?
Visiting Hull battled extremely hard and were well organised for most of the contest, but in terms of causing a threat to Liverpool, they didn't do enough to argue convincingly that they were deserving of a share of the spoils.
Liverpool's performance
Brendan Rodgers's team have played much, much better this season, but ultimately the result is all that matters. Their passing, which has been one of their main assets this term, deserted them for large parts, but they scored the crucial goals. On the plus side, Rodgers can take heart from the display that his team put in defensively. Even when Hull threw on three attackers after the restart, the hosts coped with the threat well.
Hull's performance
The Tigers weren't particularly bad, but they also weren't that impressive either. Understandably, Steve Bruce sent his side out to keep things tight, while perhaps claiming a goal on the counter-attack. However, as soon as Liverpool scored, that gameplan went out of the window and it was hard for Hull to adjust their mentality. It's a match that they weren't expected to win, though, so after what has been a good start to life back in the Premier League, there is no reason for this outing to hamper their confidence.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luis Suarez: It may seem a cop-out to hand Suarez this award, but once again he was Liverpool's shining light. He spent most of the first half on the floor, having been kicked up in the air on countless occasions. He showed his frustration by earning himself a booking for a late tackle, but after the restart he responded in the best way possible with a goal of real quality that put the match out of Hull's reach.
Biggest gaffe
Take your pick from efforts by either Suarez or Hull defender Maynor Figueroa. Both fancied their chances during the second half with shots from distance, but they got it very wrong. Not only did their efforts miss the target, on both occasions the ball rolled out for a throw to the opposition.
Referee performance
There were occasions, particularly during the first half, when tempers threatened to boil over. However, in what was his first match in charge at Anfield, Craig Pawson did extremely well to defuse a number of situations with minimal fuss. He can be happy with his work this afternoon.
What next?
Liverpool: The Reds turn their attention to FA Cup matters next Sunday when League One side Oldham Athletic visit Anfield.
Hull: A day earlier, Hull take on Championship outfit Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Liam Apicella
