Heading into this weekend it became clearer and clearer that Tottenham would likely play against Hull City in some capacity next season - whether that be in the Championship or the Premier League. After this weekend’s results that question has been answered: Tottenham will play Hull City in the Premier League next year.
Hull defeated Middlesbrough 1-0 in an otherwise drab EFL Championship playoff final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium. It was classic Hull City, really. Sit back and defend, and then convert on the few chances you get.
Boro had the ball for 67% of the game but for all that possession they only managed to put one shot on target. Hull, meanwhile, converted on one of their three shots on target. That goal came in the eighth minute of stoppage time from Ollie McBurnie.
I had no expectation of Hull challenging for a spot in the Premier League this season, let alone get promoted. I’ll actually be big enough to admit that I had them pegged for relegation in my predictions back in August.
They entered this season in disarray and questions over spending, as well as a transfer embargo. They brought in Sergej Jakirovic, a Croatian manager with no previous experience in the UK, and he did wonders with a team that looked more relegation fodder than top-tier material.
And full credit to him for pushing this squad beyond their limits. I’ll be very curious to see what kind of transfer activity they do in the summer. They’ll be needing to do a lot to have a chance at survival next season.
Ftizie’s track of the day: On Green Dolphin Street, by Sonny Rollins
And now for your links:
ESPN: “Tottenham must get rebuild right; Kane makes history with Bayern”
Jay Harris ($$): “Tottenham must address ‘astronomical’ injury crisis, James Maddison says”
The Independent: “Tottenham revel in survival – now they must learn the lessons of a nightmare season”