Hull City made 3 changes to the team that started against Southampton bringing in Tymon, Snodgrass and Mbokani on what should have been an excellent chance to move further towards safety.
Sunderland are a poor side but they have Defoe and Anichebe and that says it all. Strikers who can score!
City began tentatively and after only 3 minutes Elmo gave the ball away. Clucas shot at goal a minute later, the ball being pushed over the bar. The resulting corner came to nothing.
Mason who has yet to justify his phenomenal transfer fee completely missed his kick on 6 minutes when the goal looked inviting.
Dawson mad an excellent block on 13 minutes and the game ebbed and flowed until just after the half hour. He beat 3 City players with a weaving run placing the ball expertly past Marshall for his 150th premier league goal.
Sunderland began to dominate and should have scored again a minute later. They had a further chance just on half time.
HT Sunderland 1-0
The game had barely started when Elmo missed Watmore who in truth should’ve scored. With just another couple of minutes gone the lights went out literally at the Stadium of Light and the players were left bemused for nearly 10 minutes. City started slowly and left Anichebe alone to make it 2-0 on 65 minutes. A couple of minutes later it should’ve been 2-1 when Snodgrass’s overhead kick was expertly pushed over by Pickford.
City brought on Jarred Bowen after 75 minutes replacing Tymon who had done well but appeared to be tiring. 5 minutes later Meyler came on for the ineffective Mason. This appeared to inspire City and a minute later they had 2 chances cleared off the line in quick succession. Mbokani and Bowen were the unlucky players. City’s concentration waned and Anichebe muscled in to make it 3-0 a few minutes later.
Sunderland were reduced to 10 men just before the end but by then the damage was done.
FT Sunderland 3-0 Hull City
So the future looks bleak for City. Despite never giving up, the lack of a quality strike force ultimately cost them a game they should have won. Championship here we come!
Tactics ?