Hernandez returns to kick out Swans
THERE is nothing like the return of a goalscoring hero to lift the spirits, especially when the player in question turns out to be a saviour again.
Hull’s Abel Hernandez put a two-month injury layoff behind him by coming off the bench to effectively settle this third round tie between the Premier League’s bottom two clubs. And the corner flag was given its customary karate kick beating after Hernandez combined with fellow sub Shaun Maloney to show that he has fully recovered from hernia surgery.
Then, after sterling work from goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic to keep Hull in the match, an injury-time second from teenager Josh Tymon made the scoreline appear more comfortable.
Managers generally revel in substitutions which have an impact so new Hull boss Marco Silva was understandably pleased with the contribution made by Hernandez and 17-yearold Tymon. What he needs is to transfer those skills to the relegation fight.
‘This win was very important,’ he said. ‘We need the good results to improve, to win more confidence. I’m happy that my players are happy at this moment. I have only had two training sessions and it is impossible to say it was all my ideas.’
Jakupovic also proved his worth with great saves to deny Fernando Llorente and Gylfi Sigurdsson late on before Swansea ran out of energy. And it was that fast fade which disturbed newly-installed manager Paul Clement.
‘I wanted a performance and for long periods I got one,’ he said. ‘The first goal was disappointing. The lapse in concentration showed we were tired. But I have learned a lot.’
Presumably that he, like Silva, faces a huge challenge in keeping his team in the top flight.