LONDON (AP):

LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN Steven Gerrard's double retrieved a 2-2 draw against Hull yesterday, but a third straight stalemate at Anfield cast further doubts on the Premier League leaders' title credentials.

"If we want to stay top of the table we have to take three points from these games," manager Rafa Benitez said. "I am very disappointed, everyone is disappointed."

Defending champions Manchester United were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Tottenham to remain six points adrift of Liverpool, who top the standings by two points, but can be leapfrogged today if Chelsea beat West Ham.

Dealt a blow

Arsenal's fading title ambitions were dealt a further blow when former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere equalised to clinch a 1-1 draw for Middlesbrough, allowing Aston Villa to dislodge them from fourth place by beating Bolton 4-2. Hull were tipped as a candidate for relegation when they entered their debut top-flight campaign, but strengthened their hold on sixth place with a point at Liverpool.

"We have done very well but it is too early to start making bold statements about Europe just yet," Hull manager Phil Brown said. "I am just delighted with an outstanding performance."

The Tigers took the lead in the 12th minute when Paul McShane leapt above Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena to head Marlon King's cross past Pepe Reina.

Veteran Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher scored his second own-goal of the season to extend Hull's advantage. Bernard Mendy had skipped around Dossena on the right and his cross landed in front of Carragher, whose attempted clearance went into his own net.

But Gerrard started to haul Liverpool back into the match two minutes later. With Albert Riera applying pressure on the visiting defence, Dirk Kuyt's cross broke to Gerrard to score from close range.

And the inspirational midfielder, who had leg treatment in the opening minutes after a challenge with Nick Barmby, was on target again in the 32nd. Kuyt headed on Carragher's cross and Yossi Benayoun volleyed down to Gerrard, who calmly slotted it high into the net.

Frenetic match-up

Hull continued to frustrate the 18-time English champions after the break, with Sami Hyypia's downward header hitting the foot of the post and Riera's swerving right-foot shot punched away by goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

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

Robbie Keane watched the game from the sidelines as Benitez chose to bench the Ireland striker for a second successive weekend.

At White Hart Lane, Tottenham and United could have won it in the last 10 minutes. Park Ji-sung forced a diving save from Spurs goalkeeper

Heurelho Gomes before Luka Modric's curling shot from the edge of the area was just deflected on to the roof of the United net.

Gomes then, in the last minute, tipped Ryan Giggs' curling free kick on to the bar.