HOMING IN ON SAFETY
EVERY KICK, EVERY GOAL, EVERY
SCORER Andrew Robertson says Marco Silva has made it hell for rivals to visit Hull.
Silva has won four and drawn once in the league at the KCOM Stadium since taking charge.
And now the Tigers have a fighting chance of clawing their way to safety.
Silva’s record on home soil is incredible. In spells with Estoril, Sporting Lisbon, Olympiakos and Hull, the Portuguese has not lost in the league in three years. Silva has won 32 of 39 matches, drawing seven.
Hull have moved to within touching distance of safety and face fellow strugglers Middlesbrough at home on Wednesday.
Defender Robertson said: “Since he has come in, the home record has been brilliant. His attention to detail is like no other manager I’ve worked under before.
Sign
“For the run-in, we’ve got a few crucial games at home and we need to keep it going. If we can, and pick up a few points on the road, then I’m sure we will be above that line.”
Silva, 39, is well aware of his achievement.
He said: “It gives confidence for us and our players as well.
“Hopefully we can continue with these numbers until the end of the season. It would be a good sign.
“I believe that if we continue with these performances at home and we take points in all our games at home that it will be important.
“It would be a big help for us to stay in the Premier League.”
Robertson, 23, netted his first goal of the season to help preserve Silva’s proud record.
The strike early in second half came after he latched on to a through ball from sub Kamil Grosicki and drilled a shot beyond Darren Randolph.
It cancelled out the opener from Andy Carroll – the striker’s 50th Premier League goal in 181 appearances. Carroll ANDREA RANOCCHIA Contributed at both ends CURTIS DAVIES Subbed after struggling peeled away from Curtis Davies to control Aaron Cresswell’s cross on his chest and finish. Hull got the winner five minutes from time when Andrea Ranocchia stole in at the near post to head home. It meant a fourth straight defeat for Slaven Bilic and his Hammers.
Backing
West Ham’s board last week gave their backing to Bilic and they were at it again yesterday, issuing a statement claiming he retains their unwavering support.
Supporters sang “Super Slav” early in the game at Hull, but Bilic said: “I know I can only stop the speculation by winning games.
“We knew it was going to be hard to do last season again, with moving stadium and everything.” HULL (3-4-3): Jakupovic 7; Maguire 7, RANOCCHIA 8, Davies 5 (Grosicki 46, 7); Elmohamady 6, Clucas 7, N’Diaye 6 (Maloney 79), Robertson 7; Niasse 5, Hernandez 7 (Henriksen 79), Markovic 7. Subs: Marshall, Meyler, Diomande, Dawson. UP NEXT: Middlesbrough (h), Premier League, Wednesday. WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Randolph 6; Byram 6, Collins 5, Fonte 6, Cresswell 6 (Masuaku 69, 6); Lanzini 6, Kouyate 6 (Calleri 90); Snodgrass 6 (Fernandes 66, 6), Ayew 6, Feghouli 6; CARROLL 7. Subs: Adrian, Nordtveit, Noble, Fletcher. UP NEXT: (a), Premier League, Wednesday.Arsenal Referee: Mike Jones 6. YOUR TURN: Which Republic of Ireland international scored Hull’s spot-kick winner the last time they beat West Ham at home, 1-0 in September 2013?