By Jack Watson
What a frustrating game. Today, Hull City drew to rivals, Leeds United in a game, which could have gone either way. I have been looking forward to this fixture for a long time and a sold out MKM Stadium was too. A draw means that I do not have to do the 40 push ups I bet with my PE teacher, however, I am sure that in the reverse fixture it will be double or nothing (I hope it’s nothing). Nonetheless, most importantly, it ensures we earn a point, which will help us climb the league and it could make a big difference at the end of the season.
Leeds headed into this game with two wins; two draws and one loss in their previous five games, with two back-to-back clean sheets against Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday. I am surprised with how they have begun their campaign in the Championship, to be honest; I thought they were going to be a team that would have no trouble and go straight back up to the top flight. For us, we are unbeaten in five games, with two draws and three wins. Every Leeds fan I came across before this match said they were going to maul us and were highly confident. I guarantee their minds have changed.
Rosenior made two changes to our starting line-up, with Ryan Allsop replacing Matt Ingram to make his debut and Cyrus Christie coming in for Vinagre. That meant our eleven was: Ryan Allsop, in goal; Cyrus Christie, Lewie Coyle, Jacob Greaves and Alfie Jones, as the back four; Jean Seri, Regan Slater, Scott Twine and Jaden Philogene in the middle and Aaron Connolly and Liam Delap were up-front. Thankfully, Tufan was named on the bench as he is a key player who we need in our squad.
The first period opened up in the style that every home game has begun this season; the opposition soaking up the pressure, us keeping possession and on the front foot. We actually kept in control for a decent amount of time, however, we were not doing much with the ball and gave it away most of the time. It looked like we were trying a new tactic today; getting the ball over the top. However, their defenders were too tall, we put too much on the pass and when it reached an attacker, they were flagged offside. I loved what we were trying, but we need a little more practice on it.
Inevitably, United caught us out a few times and they were excellent at counter-attacking; they did it so smoothly and quickly. This led to some very dangerous chances, in which they should have taken the lead. Near the half-hour mark, Summerville threaded a lovely ball through the middle to Rutter, who only had the keeper to beat. However, Allsop luckily managed to deny him. Shortly after this, Summerville had two chances to get on the score sheet; however, both his efforts were tipped over the bar by Allsop. It was a very good decision from Rosenior to start him as it would have been a different scoreline if Ingram started. We never looked like scoring and we came out of the half unscathed.
Things started to get better for The Tigers in the second half, as Rodon received a red card on the hour mark. The centre-back was lured into a rash challenge on Aaron Connolly and having already been booked in the first half, the referee had little option but to send him off. Luck was definitely on our side today; their best winger went off due to an injury in the first half and they went down to ten men. This had a hige impact on the game and Hull began to slowly grow into the game. Towards the 70th minute our first real chance came; Delap made a powerful run and cross on the right, from which Connolly came within a stud’s length of connecting.
Although we had a huge advantage, we did not really use it and we should have done what we did against Blackburn when they went down to ten men; pressure them and go for it. We needed to make some subs and that is what Rosenior did; he brought on Ozan Tufan, Tyler Morton, Adama Traore and Jason Lokilo. Also, he made it a back three with an extra attacker. It was only then when we started to be a real threat and in the last 20 minutes we were solid; pinging the ball around well, winning the ball back when we lost it and always creating opportunities. If only we could have done this from the beginning. But, we could not get close to the target. That was until Traore was inches away from putting us in the lead in the 88th minute. Connolly was one-on-one with the keeper, but he smartly teed up an unmarked Traore, who had an open goal; however, somehow, he struck the post.
I was disappointed with the result as every player put in a hefty shift and they did very well to hold off a team like Leeds. On the other hand, we should have done more with the ball and we need to cut down the amount of passing we do. There were times in this game where we had the ball on the edge of the box, but instead of putting it in the box, we went backwards and tried to find a different route. This wastes time and allows opponents to get all their players back. We had 58% of the possession, created 561 passes, had 9 shots, but had no shot on target. However, Leeds had less possession (42%) made fewer passes (411), but managed to have more shots (17) and got some on target (4). I do not want to be negative, but we could have a bigger chance at scoring goals if we stick the ball in the box where players are waiting. Nonetheless, a strong performance overall and I think City fans will be happier than those travelling back to West Yorkshire.
Our next fixture is Stoke away, and after that it is Plymouth at home, which should be two good fixtures. Hopefully we keep our heads up, prepare well and give everything we have got as I believe every team is possible for us to beat.
