Kuyt brace ensures Liverpool remain in the hunt for EPL title

Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt inspired Liverpool to a crucial 3-1 victory at Hull to help manager Rafael Benitez's side maintain the pressure on English Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Super striker! Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt celebrates his goal with Fernando Torres (left) even as Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (right) looks on during their English Premier League match at the KC Stadium in Hull, England on Saturday. Liverpool won 3-1. pics AP/AFP

Spaniard Alonso struck in the 45th minute with a dipping volley to notch his fourth goal of the season before Kuyt helped himself to a brace in the second half even as Hull's relegation fears showed no signs of easing.

Geovanni pulled a goal back for the home side on 73 minutes but it was never going to be enough as Kuyt made it 3-1 in the final minute.

Hull's misery was complete when Caleb Folan got a red card on the hour mark for kicking Martin Skrtel. He faces an automatic three-match suspension.u00a0

EPL results
Bolton u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 1-1u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Aston Villa
Everton u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 1-2u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Man City
Fulham u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 1-0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Stoke City
Hull City u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 1-3u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Liverpool
West Bromu00a0u00a0u00a0 3-0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Sunderland
West Hamu00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 0-1u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Chelsea