Liverpool rout Hull City to go third

Liverpool leapfrogged bitter rivals Manchester United to go third in the Premier League table with an impressive 5-1 rout of Hull City.

Adam Lallana got the ball rolling with a scuffed finish that crept inside the far post but the game was effectively killed when Ahmed Elmohamady was shown a straight red for handling Phillippe Coutinho’s goalbound shot.

Sadio Mane added a third before the break and although David Meyler pulled a goal back, Liverpool were in ruthless form and a beauty from Coutinho and second penalty from Milner made it a thoroughly miserable 54th birthday for Mike Phelan.

Victory for Liverpool takes them level with Merseyside neighbours Everton but they jump to third on goal difference, a point clear of Manchester United.

Leave it to the keeper! Last week it was Jake Livermore who was guilty of handling a shot in the box and today Elmohamady was the guilty party. David Marshall has gloves and he’s allowed to do it. Leave it to him and keep 11 men on the pitch.

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool): The little magician was the man pulling all the strings for Liverpool today and capped a wonderful display with a superb goal.

Liverpool: Karius 6, Clyne 6, Matip 6, Klavan 6, Milner 7, Henderson 7, Wijnaldum 6, Lallana 7, Coutinho 8, Mane 7, Firmino 6. Subs: Can 6, Grujic 6, Sturridge 6.

Hull City: Marshall 5, Elmohamady 5, Livermore 6, Davies 6, Robertson 6, Diomande 6, Clucas 6, Huddlestone 6, Mason 6, Snodgrass 6, Hernandez. Subs: Maguire 6, Meyler 7, Henriksen 6.

17’ – GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Hull City: A lovely run from Coutinho and he slips the ball inside for Lallana, who finishes inside the far post with his left foot.

30’ – GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Hull City: Coutinho’s shot is blocked on the line by Elmohamady, who is shown the red card. Milner slots home the penalty.

36’ – GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Hull City: A lovely turn and shot from Mane and the ball arrows into the bottom corner.

51’ – GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Hull City: Meyler slams home from the corner to give Hull a glimmer of hope.

52’ – GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Hull City: Liverpool strike back immediately with a beautiful finish from outside the box from Philippe Coutinho.

71’ – GOAL! Liverpool 5-1 Hull City: Sturridge is clipped in the box by Robertson and Milner converts his second penalty of the match.

Liverpool have 13 points after six matches this season. This is only the fourth occasion the Reds have amassed at least 13 points from their opening six fixtures of a PL campaign – 14 in 1996/97 and 2008/09, and 13 in 2013/14. They finished those campaigns fourth, second and second respectively.

Adam Lallana scores Liverpool’s first PL goal against Hull City since Luis Suárez netted in the 2-0 home victory on New Year’s Day 2014.

Liverpool score at least four goals in consecutive PL home matches for the first time since April 2016 when they put four past Stoke and Everton.

Liverpool have now scored a record 107 penalties in the Premier League. They surpass Chelsea (106).