Stoke City secured a narrow victory over Hull City with a 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium on January 1, 2024. This result ended Hull’s five-game unbeaten streak and marked a moment of revenge for Stoke, following their defeat to Hull in November. Stoke’s triumph came courtesy of a goal from Robert Bozenik, who found the net for the first time since joining the club, achieving this milestone in his 19th league appearance.
The match, characterized by a lack of quality, particularly from Hull, saw the home side struggle to create significant scoring opportunities throughout the 107 minutes of play. Hull City, under the management of Mark Robins, faced difficulties in breaking down Stoke’s defense, managing to go without a goal for just the fourth time since Sergej Jakirovic took over as head coach.
Early in the first half, Bozenik attempted to ignite the match with a curling shot from 20 yards, which forced Hull’s keeper, Ivor Pandur, into a smart save. Just moments later, Hull’s goalkeeper was again tested by Bae Junho, but this effort was far less demanding. Hull’s first notable chance came at the 25-minute mark when Kyle Joseph shot narrowly into the body of Stoke’s Ben Wilmot.
Joseph continued to press for a goal, creating opportunities that included a shot from a low cross by Liam Millar that resulted in a quick save from Stoke’s Tommy Simkin after claims for a handball against Ash Phillips. Following this, a corner kick allowed Charlie Hughes to strike the crossbar, though Hull could not capitalize on the rebound.
Stoke clinched the lead six minutes before halftime, with Bozenik converting a well-placed cross from Lamine Cisse following two blocked efforts from Junho. This goal proved decisive in a match that lacked momentum and excitement.
The second half began with a lengthy stoppage, which affected both teams’ rhythm. After Bozenik was substituted, Hull attempted to level the score but struggled to find their footing. They created two opportunities shortly after the hour mark, but Millar’s curling shot was easily saved, and Oli McBurnie failed to convert from a close-range attempt.
Stoke had chances to extend their lead but missed opportunities, including a header from Bosun Lawal that went over the bar. As the match neared its conclusion, Hull’s efforts to equalize were thwarted by a series of missed chances, including a tame shot from McBurnie in the final minute of regular time.
In a tense finish, substitute Kasey Palmer struck the crossbar with a powerful effort, and a subsequent appeal for a penalty after a rebound was dismissed by referee Craig Pawson. The match ended with Hull’s Enis Destan and Lewie Coyle both failing to convert their attempts, sealing a disappointing defeat for the Tigers.
With this loss, Hull City dropped to fifth place in the league standings based on goal difference, while Stoke City climbed to ninth. The attendance at the MKM Stadium was recorded at 23,152, making for a competitive atmosphere despite the lack of goals.
As the teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, Stoke will look to build on this victory, while Hull will aim to recover and regain their scoring form in the matches ahead.
