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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s double retrieved a 2-2 draw with Hull on Saturday, but a third straight stalemate at Anfield cast further doubts on the Premier League leaders’ title credentials.
“If we want to stay top of the table we have to take three points from these games,” manager Rafa Benitez said. “I am very disappointed, everyone is disappointed.”
Defending champions Manchester United were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Tottenham to remain six points adrift of Liverpool, who tops the standings by two points, but can be leapfrogged on Sunday if Chelsea beat West Ham.
Arsenal’s fading title ambitions were dealt a further blow when former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere equalised to clinch a 1-1 draw for Middlesbrough, allowing Aston Villa to dislodge them from fourth place by beating Bolton 4-2.
Hull were tipped as a candidate for relegation when they entered their debut top-flight campaign, but they strengthened their hold on sixth place with a point at Liverpool.
“We have done very well but it is too early to start making bold statements about Europe just yet,” Hull manager Phil Brown said. “I am just delighted with an outstanding performance.”
The Tigers took the lead in the 12th minute when Paul McShane leapt above Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena to head Marlon King’s cross past Pepe Reina.
Veteran Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher scored his second own-goal of the season to extend Hull’s advantage.
But Gerrard started to haul Liverpool back into the match two minutes later. With Albert Riera applying pressure on the visiting defence, Dirk Kuyt’s cross broke to Gerrard to score from close range.
And the inspirational midfielder, who had leg treatment in the opening minutes after a challenge with Nick Barmby, was on target again in the 32nd. Kuyt headed on Carragher’s cross and Yossi Benayoun volleyed down to Gerrard, who calmly slotted it high into the net.
Arsenal also dropped two points at Middlesbrough, as Aliadiere’s glancing header in the 29th minute cancelled out Emanuel Adebayor’s opening goal for the Gunners 12 minutes earlier.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor canceled out Johan Elmander’s opener and his side went ahead before halftime when Bolton’s Kevin Davies scored an own-goal.
Agbonlahor and Ashley Young extended Villa’s lead after the break, while Davies grabbed a late consolation goal.
Blackburn manager Paul Ince’s job prospects look bleaker after Wigan inflicted a fifth straight loss. Antonio Valencia provided the cross for Emile Heskey to backheel past Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the 10th and the Ecuador winger scored himself two minutes later. Lee Cattermole completed the 3-0 victory in the 77th.
“We were poor and I’m disappointed in that,” Ince said. “We let the fans down big time.”
Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 victory over bottom-place West Bromwich Albion. Kenwyne Jones struck twice within a minute to give the managerless Sunderland an early lead, with Andy Reid and Djibril Cisse completing the rout.
Stand-in striker Tim Cahill scored in injury time to give Everton a 1-0 victory at Manchester City, climbing above City defender Micah Richards to head home Leon Osman’s corner.
Stoke and Fulham played out a 0-0 draw.
In the League Championship, Wolverhampton Wanderers maintained their grip on the lead with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley.
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