Liverpool's Premier League title credentials were dealt a blow as they were beaten 3-1 by a spirited Hull City at the KC Stadium on Sunday

Jake Livermore, the midfielder on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, gave Hull a 20th minute lead with his first Premier League goal before Steven Gerrard equalised with a free-kick seven minutes later.

David Meyler put Hull 2-1 ahead midway through the second half before Martin Skrtel headed Tom Huddlestone's chip into his own net with three minutes left to seal a first victory over Liverpool for the East Yorkshire club.

It was Hull's first ever victory against Liverpool in all competitions.

Defeat dropped Liverpool from second place to third on goal difference and left them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

The visitors badly missed striker Daniel Sturridge, ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering ligament damage to his left ankle in training on Friday.

Sturridge is Liverpool's top scorer this season, with 11 goals and the highest scorer in the Premier League in 2013, with 19 goals in total.

Hull were promoted from the Championship last season and made a promising start to life back in the Premier League with seven points from their opening five fixtures but they'd lost four of their last five games heading into this home clash against Liverpool.

Steve Bruce's aim might have been for his Hull side to stifle their opponents but City gave as good as they got in the early stages and grabbed the lead, albeit with a slice of luck.

Victor Moses lost possession in his own half and Livermore pounced on the loose ball.

He then exchanged passes with fellow midfielder David Meyler and his shot from 20 yards hit Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and looped into the net over Simon Mignolet.

Seven minutes later, Liverpool were level courtesy of captain Gerrard.

Curtis Davies's challenge on Jordan Henderson on the edge of the box gave Liverpool their first chance of note and Gerrard smashed his 20-yard free-kick low into the corner.

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling failed to take a chance to impress as he made his first appearance since mid-October and only his second start of the season.

The England winger was largely ineffective and was replaced in the 66th minute.

The effort involved in their fine first-half performance limited Hull to a counter-attacking style after the break and Liverpool had the lion's share of possession.

While Liverpool controlled the play, Hull did a good job of keeping them at arm's length and had chances of their own.

Davies's header from Robbie Brady's delivery zipped wide and Skrtel had to be at his best to cut out low cross from the Irishman at the near post.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had seen enough and brought on Philippe Coutinho in place of Sterling in an effort to give his side more spark.

His first contribution, in the 71st minute, was a low cross from the right that Moses met but Allan McGregor did brilliantly to claw it off the line.

A minute later, Hull were back in front.

Liverpool failed to clear their lines as Hull threw bodies forward and Meyler sent a crisp low finish beyond Mignolet.

Luis Suarez sent a 30-yard free kick wide with seven minutes left but Hull finished the job in 87th minute.

A long ball found Yannick Sagbo, who was onside thanks to Kolo Toure being down injured. The Ivorian held up the ball long enough to find Huddlestone, whose chipped effort was steered beyond Mignolet by Skrtel.