In a Saturday full of big surprises — most notably, both Manchester sides losing — Hull City’s position in the table must be noted as one of them. Thanks to their win over West Ham United, the newly-promoted Tigers are now seventh in the table, although that could change if Everton get a win against Newcastle on Monday. Still, three wins in six is impressive for Hull, and may signal that they’ll stay safe in the Premier League.
In fact, West Ham just might be looking up enviously after this loss, which sends them into 16th place, barely above the relegation zone. The Irons haven’t won since week 1, against Cardiff City, but have achieved two draws, both of them goalless. Will that be enough for Sam Allardyce to continue to keep his job?
Big Sam may be able to argue that luck went against him on Saturday afternoon. In the 12th minute, Robbie Brady went down, rather easily it seemed, under a challenge from West Ham defender Joey O’Brien. Referee Kevin Friend immediately pointed to the spot. Brady himself took the penalty, sending his shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen and into the bottom right corner.
West Ham very nearly found an equalizer in the 23rd minute, but Liam Rosenior managed to clear James Tomkins’ header off the line. There were appeals for a handball, but the ball appeared to collide with the defender’s shoulder rather than his arm. Official review also showed that the ball never crossed the line.
Hull spent almost the entire half sitting back and defending, allowing just one good chance for the visitors. Modibo Maiga stung Allan McGregor’s palms in the 53rd minute, but soon gave way for Mladen Petric. Allardyce also threw on Stewart Downing and Ricardo Vaz Te, but no one was able to get through the tough Tigers defense.
Perhaps Allardyce gets a bye this week, but if results don’t improve soon, will we see a change in East London?
Hull City: McGregor; Rosenior, Figueroa, Davies, Faye; Huddlestone, Livermore, Elmohamady, Brady (Meyler 80); Aluko (Boyd 89), Graham (Sagbo 71)
Subs not used: Harper, Bruce, McShane, Quinn
West Ham: Jaaskelainen; O’Brien, Reid, Tomkins, Rat; Morrison, Noble, Nolan; Diame (Downing 71), Maiga (Petric 59), Jarvis (Vaz Te 71)
Subs not used: Adrian, Taylor, Collins, Demel
