Hull’s revival shows up Cats
HULL CITY’S UPTURN IN FORTUNES IS SOMETHING SUNDERLAND COULD LEARN FROM
It is an unlikely scenario, but, given Hull’s remarkable revival, far from impossible.
Should Hull beat Watford this afternoon, they will move 12 points clear of Sunderland.
Defeats to Middlesbrough and Bournemouth over the next week for Sunderland would then leave Marco Silva’s side needing just a point against Southampton to seal the Black Cats’ fate.
So how did the Tigers turn around a two-point deficit at the start of the year so emphatically. The gamble
Early indicators were that Hull would replace Mike Phelan with Gary Rowett, so the decision to go with the relatively unknown (on these shores at least) Marco Silva, drew derision.
Initial league results were far from spectacular, but by the time Liverpool were beaten 2-0 at the start of February, it was clear that the unpopular regime at Hull had pulled off a masterstroke. By luck or by judgement? Ultimately, it matters not.
Part of it, of course, is down to the inevitable shortterm bounce that a change of manager brings.
Swansea had it with Paul Clement, but, after the initial surge, they have somewhat reverted to struggle.
Silva, however, seems to be reaping the rewards of an intense regime focused on organisation and discipline.
Before Silva’s arrival, Hull were shipping 2.2 goals a game. That has been slashed to 1.6 per game. At the other end, they have gone from scoring 0.85 goals per game to 1.2.
In that time, Sunderland have scored just seven goals, even if their defence remains superior over the course of the season.
Silva has moulded his squad, which many would say was not fit for Premier League purpose, into a ruthless counter-attacking force.
It is an impressive feat that somewhat undermines the argument that Sunderland are going down due to a lack of quality.
Lacking quality they clearly are, but have their resources been utilised well enough? Wahbi Khazri’s West Ham performance suggests not.
Most impressive has been his ability to turn a stadium often not full due to fan apathy and unrest into a fortress.
While Sunderland have failed to win at home in 2017, Hull have won six out of seven in all competition.
Silva has not lost for more than 40 home games. It has been a sensational turnaround so far. January business
Sunderland rightly resisted any attempts to sell Jermain Defoe to West Ham in January, recognising it would be the equivalent of raising the white flag.
Hull, however, had no such qualms in moving on Robert Snodgrass, a player whose attacking output the side were relying on almost as heavily as Sunderland on Defoe.
That looked like being the end of their chances, but here Silva truly worked wonders.
Outcasts Oumar Niasse and Lazar Markovic were brought in on loan, as well as the Polish winger Kamil Grosicki, linked with Sunderland in the past.
All three had a point to prove and, crucially, have brought pace to a pedestrian frontline.
That has been key to allowing Silva to implement his counter-attacking style.
Defender Andrea Ranocchia also arrived on loan, forming an excellent partnership with the blossoming Harry Maguire.
Hull had a weak hand but played it brilliantly, to the surprise of all who were underwhelmed by their business.
The Black Cats, as has been well documented, struggled to attract key targets, but those who did arrive had not been able to address the side’s lack of creativity and speed.
Sunderland’s attacking play hit the rocks in Anichebe’s absence and it has cost them dearly.