Hull City achieved their second consecutive Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon after substitute Liam Millar scored late to secure a 1-0 win at Coventry City.
The victory leaves the East Yorkshire club joint-top of the Premier League table alongside Manchester City with six points from their opening two matches, defying pre-season predictions that tagged them as relegation certainties.
Millar struck eight minutes from time, finishing a rapid counter-attack after being set through by midfielder Mohamed Belloumi. Belloumi, a lightweight by modern top-flight standards but possessing key creativity, supplied the decisive pass for Millar to run through and beat Coventry goalkeeper Oliver Rushworth. Millar had missed a similar opportunity following another swift break shortly before scoring his winner.
Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic highlighted his side's tactical plan after the final whistle. "We knew the centre-backs struggle with balls behind them," Jakirovic said. "It was an excellent win, unbelievable."
Coventry had enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the contest at the Coventry Building Society Arena but lacked the speed and guile required to break down Hull's compact defensive shape. Frank Lampard's team entered the match seeking their first win of the campaign following an opening-day defeat away to Arsenal.
Speaking after the defeat, Coventry manager Lampard voiced frustration over his team's cautious play. "It depends how we want to react to defeat," Lampard said. "Two games gone, 36 left. We can’t expect anything in the Premier League. When we had chances to play forward, we played safe. That’s not us."
Coventry owner Doug King, who sang the club's anthem from the executive seats prior to kick-off, faces a difficult start to the season. The Sky Blues are competing in the top flight for the first time in 25 years after earning promotion from the Championship, where they finished 22 points above Hull last term. With a visit to champions Manchester City scheduled for next weekend, Coventry remain winless and goaless. Lampard will hope summer signing Sidiki Cherif can add counter-attacking pace once he returns to full fitness.
Response to Pundit Criticism
Hull's flawless start to the season comes after television pundit Joe Cole, the former Chelsea and England winger, publicly wrote off the team and described them as the worst side in Premier League history. Hull forward Oli McBurnie, who put in an outstanding performance holding up play, laughed off Cole's comments after the victory.
"To say we are the worst team in Premier League history… it’s not a bad start from the boys," McBurnie said. "Joe Cole has been a professional for however many years and knows what it’s like. I know he’s just saying it for banter and he’s probably got carried away - I’ve done it before. His photo wasn’t put up in the dressing room or anything like that!"
Hull's early success draws comparisons to the 2008-09 season, when they famously mounted a strong start in the top flight following promotion. Under colourful chairman Acun Ilicali, who regularly engages with supporters on social media regarding transfer updates, the club has established a competitive foundation despite a squad built on modest transfer fees.
Background of the Hull Squad
Much of Hull's starting lineup features players who rebuilt their careers in the English Football League. Man of the match Semi Ajayi joined Hull on a free transfer after being released by West Bromwich Albion in May 2025. Defensive partner John Egan previously featured in the Premier League with Sheffield United before arriving at Hull in winter 2025 following a spell on the fringes at Burnley.
Left-back Ryan Giles joined Hull as his eighth club after failing to establish himself at Wolverhampton Wanderers and spending half a season with Luton Town in 2023-24. The 30-year-old McBurnie is currently at his ninth senior club after signing on a free transfer a year ago. Midfielder Regan Slater joined the Tigers four years ago following previous stints at Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United.
Match-winner Millar began his career in Liverpool's youth academy before playing for Kilmarnock, Charlton Athletic, Swiss club Basel, and Preston North End. Despite his decisive goal and rare pace, his long-term future at Hull remains uncertain.
Match Statistics and Player Ratings
The match was played in front of a crowd of 31,239 spectators and officiated by referee Josh Smith, who was rated 6 out of 10.
Coventry City XI: Rushworth 6; Van Ewijk 6, Amenda 5.5, Thomas 6 (Pinnock 78, 6), Dasilva 6.5; Grimes 6, Yirenkyi 6 (Torp 71, 6); Tchaouna 6.5 (Sakamoto 59, 6), Rudoni 6.5 (Hamer 71, 6), Mason-Clark 5.5 (Thomas Asante 59, 6); Awoniyi 5.
Booked: Amenda.
Manager: Frank Lampard 6.
Hull City XI: Tzolakis 7; Mendy 6.5 (Herrington 60, 6), Egan 7.5, Ajayi 8; Coyle 6.5 (Drameh 46, 6.5), Morita 6.5 (Gourna-Douath 46, 7), Slater 6, Giles 6.5; Stroud 6.5 (Millar 59, 7.5), Belloumi 7; McBurnie 7.5.
Goal: Millar 82.
Booked: Coyle, Slater, Stroud, McBurnie.
Manager: Sergej Jakirovic 7.
