Liverpool kept their slim hopes of winning the Premier League alive with a 3-1 away victory over 10-man Hull City on Saturday. Xabi Alonso fired the visitors in front on the stroke of halftime when his powerful volley found its way into the bottom corner after his initial free-kick struck the wall. Hull's equalizer hopes suffered a major blow after Caleb Folan was sent off on 59 minutes for lashing out at Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. The Reds made use of their numerical advantage to double their lead three minutes past the hour mark, thanks to a close-range header from Dirk Kuyt. Geovanni pulled one back for Hull in the 72nd minute after some slack marking by Liverpool defenders. But Kuyt scored his second of the night one minute from time to ensure Liverpool's victory. Liverpool moved up to provisional top spot with 74 points, ahead of favorites Manchester United on goal difference. Holders United, who have a game in hand, could regain their leading position if they beat Tottenham Hotspur later in the day.
