They had to fight back from 2-0 down to salvage a point at Anfield, after Paul McShane and a Jamie Carragher own goal had given Hull a dramatic early advantage.

Steven Gerrard scored twice in eight minutes and an embarrassing defeat was averted.

But this was Liverpool's third consecutive home league draw, following goalless matches with Fulham and West Ham, and Benitez must now be concerned.

He said: "We started well, but then we started to make too many mistakes.

"We conceded one, and then another and everyone was getting very nervy.

"Steven Gerrard is very dangerous in that offensive role behind the striker, and we have to thank him.

"But the reaction from the team when we were two down was excellent. They showed character to get back into it.

"But we have to win this sort of game. We know that. I am very disappointed, everyone is disappointed.

"The game was too open, we could not find the killer final pass and the match became very frenetic.

"It is becoming difficult at home, where we do not have as much space to play because teams defend deep. In away matches it is different and we are able to exploit space on the counter-attack."

Hull boss Phil Brown claimed both Liverpool goals should not have been allowed.

He said: "You never get the rub of the green in front of the Kop, but for both Liverpool's goals, Michael Turner was fouled.

"It took a lot to get us into that position, so I am very disappointed to have conceded two goals in that manner.

"But I suppose we have got a point at a place where we were not expected too."

Hull stay sixth and are still holding onto a European qualification place.

But Brown said: "It is too early to talk about Europe, we have done very well but it is too early to start making bold statements about Europe just yet.

"I am just delighted with an outstanding performance from the lads. We just have to keep going along the way we are doing."