The Top Flight
Fansided

Hull City: Good start a distant memory as Tigers’ struggle continues

By Larry Henry

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Robert Snodgrass and Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City look dejected after the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Hull City at Riverside Stadium on December 5, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Robert Snodgrass and Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City look dejected after the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Hull City at Riverside Stadium on December 5, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Hull City enjoyed some success in the early goings of the season but have since faded away into the expected relegation fight at the base of the standings.

In May, Hull City supporters were celebrating their side’s return to the Premier League after a dramatic Championship playoff victory. But now, after what was initially a surprisingly decent start to their campaign, the Tigers have since hit the down-slide during this 2016-17 Premier League season.

Mike Phelan’s side shocked the Premier League world on opening day by defeating reigning champions Leicester City 2-1 at the KCOM Stadium. A week later they defeated Swansea City 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium to move to 2-0-0.

Phelan took charge of the team after Steve Bruce left the club in the summer following their Championship playoff win over Sheffield Wednesday in May. Since August, Hull have gone 1-2-9 in the Premier League, which sees them currently sitting in 19th place, two points above the relegation zone.

MUST READ: Man City win was perfect for Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

Early in the campaign, Hull were dealing with injuries to some of their senior players, but now they just cannot gain any momentum whatsoever. Defense and clean sheets are just one problem for Phelan to deal with.

Hull have conceded 29 goals through the opening 14 matches, which is the second-worst in the division. Goalkeepers David Marshall and Eldin Jakupovic have split the time in the starting lineup, while six different defenders have been used.

More from The Top Flight

David Meyler and Tom Huddlestone bring grit and physicality to the midfield, while Ryan Mason was brought in from Tottenham before the transfer window closed. Meanwhile, five strikers have combined for only two goals so far – Adama Diomande and Abel Hernandez tallying one each.

The best player so far for Hull City has easily been Scottish international Robert Snodgrass. The 29-year-old leads the team in goals (4), and has also added an assist. He has a superb left foot and is deadly from free-kicks and with long-range shots.

Snodgrass is the playmaker for Hull and will be counted on heavily if the Tigers want to stay in the top-flight. One other rare positive for Hull is that they have a spot in the semifinals of the EFL Cup. After dispatching Newcastle United 3-1 on penalties in the quarterfinals, they now have a two-legged affair with Manchester United in January.

But with a busy rest of December ahead, and three of their next five league fixtures against teams in the top eight or higher, Phelan needs to get the best out of his players fast. If the former Manchester United assistant is still the club’s manager come January, then he might be wise to reinforce the squad in the January transfer window.

Next: Sergio Aguero suspension could derail Man City title hopes

According to ESPN FC, Curtis Davies believes Hull need to spend if they want to survive in the Premier League. However, despite sitting in a lowly place at the moment, everyone at the club needs to stay positive and work together as a unit to obtain results.

If the Tigers aren’t able to get it together come the start of the new year, they could slowly see their return to the Premiership ending before their very eyes.

Home/Hull City