Three things we learnt from Liverpool’s demolition of Hull City

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Mike Phelan may not be the right man

It may seem harsh to make such a claim after Hull’s superb start to the season in the most difficult of circumstances, and given that the Tigers two heavy defeats have been up against two of the best sides in the league in the form of Arsenal and Liverpool, but in both, Phelan has struggled to show that he is deserving of a managerial job in the top flight.

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In both cases, a red card has lead to complete capitulation and a heavy defeat, despite the opposition looking comfortable before his team went down to ten men. Such limited tactical adaptability has meant that Hull have failed to adapt and make life difficult for the opposition, struggling to even keep the scoreline respectable.

You can claim that his hands are tied, with so few options and such a shallow squad, there are few alternatives when he sees a man sent off before half-time. Whether that is down to poor discipline or bad luck, Phelan must ensure that with so few options available to him from the bench, there are no added complications by avoidable red cards and penalties.