Match Overview
Aston Villa remains without a win after three matches in the new Premier League season, following a goalless draw against Hull City. The match saw Villa create several scoring opportunities, but Hull’s defense held firm, ensuring both teams shared the points. Hull City, a newly promoted side, had a significant chance in the 65th minute when Mohamed Belloumi’s curling shot beat Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki but struck the crossbar.
Villa showed early attacking intent with Nicolas Jackson’s header from Ian Maatsen’s cross going wide within the first two minutes. Later, in the 25th minute, Ross Barkley narrowly missed with an effort from inside the box. A notable moment in the first half occurred just before halftime when Jackson went down in the box after contact from defender Nobel Mendy while attempting to reach George Hemmings’ cross. However, penalty appeals from Villa were dismissed by both referee Michael Oliver and the video assistant referee (VAR).
In the second half, John McGinn failed to convert a chance after Jackson found him unmarked. Belloumi then hit the woodwork for Hull. Villa continued to push for a winning goal, but it was Hull who came closest to finding one late in the game through Mohamed-Ali Cho, whose effort in the 89th minute was saved by Suzuki.
Team Performances and Standings
Hull City currently sits second in the league standings with seven points from three games. Villa, on the other hand, is in 17th position. Hull entered this round of fixtures as one of only four Premier League clubs with a perfect record after two games, and Sergej Jakirovic’s side had opportunities to maintain that record against Villa.
Many of Hull’s attacks during the match were channeled through Belloumi on the right wing. The 24-year-old Algerian winger has demonstrated his ability to make an impact in the Premier League, building on his performances during their promotion campaign. Beyond Belloumi, new signing Cho also forced a save from Suzuki after linking up with Oli McBurnie in the 89th minute. Shortly after, McBurnie himself failed to connect properly with a cross from Ryan Giles.
Despite not securing a win, Hull’s position, just two points behind leaders Manchester City, with a clean sheet and remaining unbeaten after three matches, is considered a strong start for a club that avoided relegation to League One on goal difference last season.
Villa arrived at MKM Stadium still seeking their first shot on target, goal, and point of the season, facing a defense that had yet to concede. While Unai Emery’s side did not find a way past Hull’s defense, they generated an expected goals (xG) of 1.74, compared to Hull’s xG of 0.58, suggesting that with better finishing, they could have secured three points.
Jackson’s movement created difficulties for Hull’s backline, and Villa managed to create numerous openings. The departure of striker Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia during the final week of the transfer window has left a void, and Villa continues to adapt with several new players. The club broke its transfer record twice to sign forwards Johan Manzambi and Jackson, and also acquired Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris St-Germain for £47m on deadline day. Manzambi has not yet featured due to injury, while Mbaye was an unused substitute in the match.
Historical Context and Managerial Notes
Villa may regret not capitalizing on a strong first hour, highlighted by Emiliano Buendia’s chance in the 54th minute. Suzuki’s long pass released Hemmings, who cut the ball back for Buendia, but his shot went over. Hull finished the game strongly and were closer to finding a winner, indicating that Emery’s new-look Villa squad may require time to reach the performance levels that led to a fourth-placed finish and a Europa League triumph last season.
This match marked the first encounter between Hull and Aston Villa in any competition since a 2-2 draw in the Championship in January 2019. Hull has won only one of their last 16 games against Villa, with four draws and eleven losses. Aston Villa has a stronger record in the Premier League against Hull City, winning six of their eight matches, drawing one, and losing one. Hull’s sole Premier League victory against Villa was a 2-0 win in February 2015.
Hull City is aiming to become only the second newly promoted side to win their opening three Premier League games, a feat previously achieved by Bolton Wanderers in the 2001-02 season. Hull has never won their first three top-flight matches in any campaign. Aston Villa is the only team this Premier League season yet to register a shot on target. Since the 2003-04 season, no team has failed to record a shot on target in their opening three games of a campaign. Villa has also yet to score in the Premier League this season, having also drawn a blank in their first three games of the previous season. The only team in top-flight history to fail to score in their first three games in consecutive seasons was Ipswich Town in 1969-70 and 1970-71.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has not previously faced Hull City in the Premier League. He has defeated 27 of the 28 teams he has encountered in the competition, with Ipswich being the only team he has not beaten, having drawn twice against them. Emery has an unbeaten record with Villa against promoted sides, with 15 wins and six draws. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic could become the fourth manager to win his first three Premier League games with a clean sheet, following José Mourinho in 2004, Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2007, and Arne Slot in 2024.
Aston Villa has lost their last four Premier League matches without Ollie Watkins, with an aggregate score of 10-1. Their last victory without Watkins was on 13 November 2022, a 2-1 win at Brighton in Unai Emery’s second match in charge.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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