Post-Match Notes: Hull City’s Performance Against Sheffield United
Underdog Hull City's performance of the season so far! 🐅
Hull City carried out a perfect example of the proverbial smash and grab against Sheffield United last Friday. The Tigers were resolute in defence and took their counter attack chances with deadly precision against the tipped for promotion Blades.
After such a surprising result, this week I’m reflecting on the unbelievably clinical finishing the Tigers achieved at Bramall Lane, the defensive excellence to keep a clean sheet and a highlight on the very positive effect one player is having on the Hull City team.
The most unexpected thing to come out of last Friday was the accuracy of the Tigers’ shooting to convert from not even big chance moments against Sheffield United. Hull City scored 3 goals off an expected goals of 0.38 and further to this, the goals they scored were not overly lucky or particularly freakish. They were all simply well taken, dangerous chances.
This example demonstrates the limitation of the xG stat because it is just a prediction model based on data, it cannot get over the fact that a prediction is in itself a made up guess. Like all data aggregated predictions it can be massively out sometimes. But what I want to highlight is that by massively outscoring their xG, it is a testament to the way the Tigers capitalised on the variety of chances that brought about their goals.
The way Matt Crooks opened his Hull City account was the ignition moment the Tigers needed to put in a complete performance last Friday. The other two goals demonstrated the determination and endless running that was evident throughout. Their leave it all on the pitch attitude and energy to keep going and going is one of the main reasons I think they won last Friday and will climb away from the relegation battle.
The defending from front to back was one of the main reasons they kept themselves in the game at times to keep a clean sheet. The 52 clearances and 6 blocks explains best how the Tigers defended for their lives to keep the Blades out. Ivor Pandur only had to make 3 saves which meant what was happening in front of him all the more impressive. They were thriving in a situation where they were under pressure, sat in and compact. Again it is a testament to the attitude Ruben Selles got from the team that hopefully this will continue into their next games.
Finally lets bring some attention to Steven Alzate’s recent performances in black and amber. Whilst they haven’t gone under the radar, the position he plays somewhat hides the subtleties of the good things he is doing consistently compared to an attacking position. Alzate is averaging 7.13 out of 10 average match rating on the Fotmob stats platform this season.
With only one goal contribution and a few shots from outside the area where he primarily influences the game is in the depths of the midfield. He is a rare midfield player in the Championship because he can play in the 6 with the tackling ability to break play up, be very strong on the ball but also he possesses the quality to get his head up and play forwards when needed.
The stats on the graphic below highlight the impact his key strengths are bringing to the wider gradual Hull City uptick trend of scoring more and conceding less under Ruben Selles. The highlight of below is that he is in the 98th percentile for duels won in the Championship with a success rate of 68.6%. He battles hard and with enough quality to bring the ball out of danger to start counter attacks which is two of the main things you want from a holding midfielder.
I think Alzate could be a player that can really reignite his career in English football at Hull City and become a really high quality asset in the squad. I do fear though that if he continues at the rate he is, eyes from higher up the football pyramid may start to watch his performances with interest that may lead to an intent to buy him. He has after all got 43 Premier League appearances and 7 Colombia caps to his name.
Looking ahead, the match on Saturday against Stoke is a real six pointer. I fear it could become a bit of a slugging it out contest. Both teams will be looking to keep it tight and primarily not lose. New signing Louie Barry could galvanise an already buoyant Tigers attack so I am hopeful Hull City will come out firing again to back up their statement performance from last Friday. There is no time like the present for starting to build some consistent home form.
UTT