Hull City’s hopes of beating relegation this term received a boost with the 4-2 victory over Middlesbrough on Wednesday.
The win helped them climb out of the bottom three for the first time since they sunk in last October. It was three crucial points against fellow Premier League strugglers Middlesbrough. Spurs turn around against Swansea makes the win much more memorable as the Marco Silva-led side go two points ahead.
Alvaro Negredo put pressure on the hosts when he scored as early as the fifth minute. He reached out to Adana Traore’s cross to give Boro hope of a shocking victory. However Hull responded quickly through Lazar Markovic who equalized in the 14th minute.
Abel Hernandez header helped OumarNiasse get Hull the lead in the 27th minute. The guests could not hinder the attacks of City as they netted the third goal. Hernandez fired from KamilGrosicki’s cross but Boro fought hard to pull a goal back just before he break. In another match, the linesman could have ruled Marten de Roon’sheader offside. He headed the ball within six yards after Ben Gibson sent a corner.
After the break, Hull continued their press, ignoring the controversy. They saw more of the ball in the second half. Andrew Robertson sent a free kick that Harry Maguire headed to seal victory for Hull.
Marco Silva deserves the praise for helping Hull from the bottom to out of the top three since taking over in January. It was a special game for Boro’s Stewart Downing who made his 400th Premier League appearance. More than half of the games have been for Middlesbrough. He has scored 37 goals and helped 58 so far.
Coach Steve Agnew says game on despite 19th position and just 23 points this season.
“We have to be realistic. We have a huge challenge and the players will give in. We have eight games left,” he said.