UPDATE: In a thrilling start to the New Year, Stoke City has defeated Hull City 1-0 at the MKM Stadium, marking a significant end to Hull’s five-game unbeaten streak. This win not only provides revenge for Stoke after their defeat in the previous fixture but also showcases the Potters’ resilience following a string of away losses.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Robert Bozenik netted his first goal for Stoke in his 19th league appearance, capitalizing on a precise cross from Lamine Cisse. With this victory, Stoke maintains their impressive record of taking points from Hull in East Yorkshire for the fifth consecutive season.
The match, held on January 1, 2024, drew a crowd of 23,152 fans, who witnessed a lackluster performance from the home side. Hull struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match, managing only a handful of attempts that failed to seriously threaten Stoke’s defense.
After a dull opening 18 minutes, Bozenik’s curling shot forced Hull’s goalkeeper, Ivor Pandur, into a smart save. Just four minutes later, Hull had their first real chance, with Bae Junho testing Pandur, but the effort was easily handled. Hull’s best opportunity came when Kyle Joseph fired a shot that was blocked, followed by a corner that led to a shot hitting the crossbar.
With the game progressing into the second half, Stoke nearly increased their lead but failed to convert key opportunities. Hull, desperate to equalize, saw a late surge with substitute Kasey Palmer‘s stunning shot hitting the crossbar and Oli McBurnie appealing for a penalty in the dying moments, but the referee waved play on.
As the final whistle blew, Hull’s defeat dropped them to fifth in the league standings, while Stoke climbed to ninth place, reflecting the competitive nature of the league. The match served as a stark reminder for Hull, who must refocus as they look to bounce back from this disappointing display.
Looking ahead, fans will be eager to see how Hull responds in their upcoming matches. The pressure is on as they aim to regain their form and secure crucial points in the coming weeks.
