Semi Ajayi. Photo credit: Web
Hull City edged out Coventry City 1-0 at the CBS Arena, a result in which Semi Ajayi and his defensive colleagues came out on top of Taiwo Awoniyi in the two Nigerian internationals’ personal battle, while Frank Onyeka was ruled out through a knock.
Liam Millar’s late strike ensured Hull maintained their perfect start on their return to the Premier League. It proved a cruel outcome for Frank Lampard’s Coventry, who showed plenty of endeavour and were largely on top during a contest that generally lacked attacking quality, until Canadian winger Millar was played through by Mohamed Belloumi in the 82nd minute and fired a decisive finish past home goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.
Until that point, Awoniyi, a summer signing from Nottingham Forest, had gone closest to breaking the deadlock for the Sky Blues, but his close-range first-half effort was palmed away by Konstantinos Tzolakis in the visitors’ goal.
Having shocked Manchester United on the opening weekend, this may feel like an even more important result for Sergej Jakirovic’s side, who are now six points clear of opponents many had tipped to join them in a potential relegation fight. Whether that battle still materialises for the Tigers, given their perfect start to the new campaign, remains to be seen. Related News Champions open title defence against Changi Boys La Liga: Lookman scores as Atletico Madrid beat Sevilla 3-1 EPL: Man City in talks to sign Gakpo from Liverpool
