Hull City were denied a much-needed victory by a moment of magic from Julio Enciso in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Ipswich Town at the MKM Stadium. The result extends the Tigers' winless run to seven league games, leaving them 10th in the table with 10 points from eight matches.
Sergej Jakirovic's side had fought back from a goal down to lead, only to be pegged back late on. Florentino Luís gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a cross from Abdoul Ouattara. Hull responded after the break, with Tim Iroegbunam scoring his first Premier League goal in the 58th minute, assisted by Oli McBurnie.
McBurnie then put the hosts ahead ten minutes later with a superb direct free-kick, his first from such a situation in the top flight. The lead lasted just six minutes before Enciso produced a stunning strike from distance to level the scores at 2-2.
Second-half fightback not enough
Hull showed significant spirit to turn the game around after a first half where they saw little of the ball. They managed just 30 per cent possession and completed 139 passes compared to Ipswich's 336. Their nine shots yielded an expected goals figure of only 0.68.
"I produced a moment of magic to rescue Ipswich a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Hull," said Enciso, who scored his second league goal of the season. The draw means Ipswich have now taken eight points from losing positions this campaign.
For Hull, the frustration continues. They have not won a Premier League match since the second game of the season, with their recent form reading three draws and two losses from the last five. Their last victory was back in September, a 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
Looking ahead to Arsenal
The Tigers must now regroup quickly for a daunting trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 7 November. Mikel Arteta's side are currently second in the standings, presenting a formidable challenge for a team searching for a winning formula.
Top scorer M. Belloumi, with three goals this term, will be a key figure if Hull are to get a result. The squad, which includes recent performers like Iroegbunam and McBurnie, will need to build on the positives from the second-half display against Ipswich.
William Bitibiri observed the broader context. "There was plenty to admire about Hull's second-half response," he said, "but there is a nagging feeling they are in danger of letting some of that early-season goodwill slip away."
Hull's next home game is not until late November, making the upcoming away fixtures critical. They sit 11 points behind leaders Manchester City, but the immediate focus is on ending the winless streak that now stands at seven matches.
First reported at Sky Sports Football
