West Bromwich triumph at Hull to end winless run

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West Bromwich Albion claimed their first victory in nine games by defeating Hull City, who continue to struggle in the Championship, and extended their strong away record from The Hawthorns.

Early goals from Karlan Grant and leading scorer Josh Maja led some home fans to call for the dismissal of Hull boss Tim Walter.

The atmosphere lifted briefly when Joao Pedro’s header brought one back for the Tigers five minutes before halftime.

However, Hull couldn’t find an equalizer, allowing Albion to secure their fourth away league win in eight matches, piling more pressure on Walter.

With this result, Albion moves up to fourth in the table, while the Tigers, winless in seven games, remain just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

After yet another goalless draw at The Hawthorns on Thursday—Albion’s fourth in seven home games this season—the Baggies wasted no time at the MKM Stadium, taking the lead just 12 minutes in.

Hull had just cleared a cross from Tom Fellows when Mikey Johnston, back in the starting lineup, connected with Karlan Grant on the left side of the box. Grant’s low shot deflected off Lewie Coyle and Alfie Jones, wrongfooting goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and slipping in at the near post.

This marked Grant’s fourth goal in three visits to the stadium, adding to his impressive tally against Hull, which includes both goals in Albion’s 2-0 win in March 2022 and earlier strikes for Huddersfield, bringing him to a total of six against the Tigers in his 50 career league goals.

Xavier Simons nearly replied for Hull, hitting the underside of the bar, but by the 17th minute, Albion extended their lead to 2-0. Johnston again played a crucial role, delivering a left-wing cross that Darnell Furlong nodded back across goal, allowing Josh Maja to head in his eighth away goal of the season.

Hull pulled one back when Joao Pedro outjumped defenders to nod Charlie Hughes’ curling cross into the top corner. However, the scoring ended there, with Regan Slater’s header over the bar on 58 minutes and Hull keeper Pandur denying Torbjorn Heggem’s overhead kick from 12 yards out.