‘written by Chris Dyer’
The saying goes that “it’s never dull in Hull”. In the life of a Hull City fan, that phrase certainly rings true and the ten days preceding the arrival of Swansea City at the KCOM Stadium gave further credence to that statement. The euphoria of back-to-back victories over promotion candidates Blackburn Rovers and Bournemouth under Grant McCann demonstrated that the players were fully behind the Ulsterman and belief was growing that he would remain at the manageable helm.
The controversial decision to dispense with McCann’s services looked to have split the fan base with some concerned it could derail the air of optimism around the club and the momentum generated by Acun Ilicali’s takeover which had galvanised many long-suffering and stay-away supporters to flock back to West Park in their droves as well as the upturn in performances and results on the field.
The subsequent appointment of Shota Arveladze was hardly surprising with the former Rangers and Ajax striker having been touted as long ago as early November when rumours circulated on social media about the possibility of a change in the dugout. Dissent was growing at that time towards both the Allam family and McCann with City having only tasted victory twice in the opening three months of the season. The press conference that took place the day before the Swansea game enabled Ilicali and his confidants (including Arveladze) to introduce themselves to the media and wider fan base and outline their vision for the club. Their responses were met with widespread approval and excitement was building towards the encounter with Swansea City
The Swans arrived in East Yorkshire in buoyant mood after a three-match unbeaten run in January having taken points away impressively at promotion challengers Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers with a home victory over Preston North End sandwiched in between. Widely recognised as a team built on high-possession, no other team averages more in The Championship, Swansea’s loyal travelling contingent could be forgiven for expecting a good outcome and a worthwhile trip from the Principality.
City, of the Kingston-upon-Hull variety, set about Russell Martin’s charges from the outset deploying a high press and looked to exploit their opponents’ Christmas tree formation on the counter-attack with space aplenty down the flanks. City’s game plan came to fruition with crosses from out wide being the source of both goals. The first epitomised the impressive display of Brandon Fleming, deputising for the injured Randell Williams at left-wing back. One of three homegrown players in the starting line-up, Fleming carried on from his impressive cameo at Bournemouth last time out with a mature display both in defence and attack. His assured cross in the fifth minute left Tom Eaves with the chance to convert which he duly obliged by poking the ball past Swansea’s goalkeeper Ben Hamer. The creation of the goal that broke the deadlock will have had the Tigers fans purring as a seventeen-pass move in which each player touched the ball en route. A goal very much in the Swansea mould of precise passing ironically to the detriment of the away side.
The second arrived twelve minutes later. Di’Shon Bernard confidently carried the ball out from the back in very similar fashion to his Manchester United colleague and ex-City fan favourite Harry Maguire. Bernard found George Honeyman whose intricate footwork skilfully created enough space for him to fashion a cross to the far post. The ball landed perfectly for Keane Lewis-Potter who cushioned a volley past Hamer.
The atmosphere was reaching fever pitch among the City faithful, many of whom were making a long-awaited return to the MKM Stadium. The jubilation of those sat in the three sides of the ground was a sight to behold and the chanting in unison was something reminiscent of the early years at their current home in the third and fourth tiers. Not for some time had the decibel level reached such heights and belied the attendance of just over 13,000. Shota Arveladze’s name was sung proudly in the stands as the new manager was welcomed warmly by all of a Black and Amber persuasion. The Georgian’s animated demeanour on the touch line throughout signalled his passion in stark contrast to his predecessor which clearly transmitted to those out on the pitch.
Despite being seemingly in control for most of the match, the hosts were given a scare on a couple of occasions with The Swans twice hitting the woodwork in the second half. Their two substitutions at the interval brought about an immediate response after half-time with greater pace and urgency in their play. A tactical switch involving the two wing-backs swapping sides seemed to cause confusion among City’s ranks and led to Swansea doing to City what they had suffered from in the opening 45 minutes with space in behind the full backs. Ryan Longman at right-wing back was clearly identified as a weakness defensively which yielded some joy in the build-up but not to avail with a lack of cutting edge in the final third from the South Wales side.
The introduction of Regan Slater, the first signing of the exciting new era under Acun Ilicali, was a chance to shore up defensively and manage the game to ensure the three points would remain on home soil. Unlike the agonising concession of an injury-time equaliser to Bristol City before Christmas, the players looked to have learned lessons and saw the game out comfortably and in so doing recorded a third straight victory with a clean sheet. Results elsewhere went in City’s favour and left them with breathing space and a twelve-point buffer above the relegation zone.
With the transfer deadline looming on Monday, the rumour mill has gathered pace and gone into over drive. Those eagle-eyed in the stands spotted the next recruit sitting among the hierarchy. Iranian forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh oversaw the victory ahead of his imminent transfer from Fenerbahce in readiness for him to link-up with the squad on deadline day with thoughts turning to City entertaining Preston North End on Saturday.
Arveladze was tight-lipped on any transfer speculation in the aftermath of the victory over Swansea but Ilicali has indicated that four arrivals would be sufficient to conclude incoming business. The debate rages on as to where reinforcements are needed. The general consensus is that besides Tom Eaves, options up-front are limited especially with Josh Magennis having departed earlier in the window and with youth prospect Will Jarvis having been sent out on loan to York City. One thing is for certain, the transfer deadline day in January 2022 will certainly not be dull in Hull!
Follow Chris on Twitter @yorkiecornish
hcafcHub 