Fulham travelled to Hull City on Saturday knowing that three points would have moved them out of the relegation zone.
The home side had the better of the chances in a non-eventful first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Hull led in the early stages of the second period when Ahmed Elmohamady found the top corner from inside the box, before Robert Koren made it 2-0 on the hour.
It was 3-0 moments later when George Boyd converted from the edge of the area, before Tom Huddlestone registered his first goal for the club.
Hull were not finished, however, as Matty Fryatt and Koren's second in the latter stages made it 6-0.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Our Premier League coverage continues from the KC Stadium as Hull City welcome Fulham. It is perhaps too early in the season to be discussing relegation six-pointers but it probably would be fair to assume that both of these sides will be fighting to remain in the division come the end of the campaign.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Hull have won three of the last four matches, with Fulham victorious just once during that period. As mentioned, the last time the two sides met in this stadium was in March 2010, when the home side collected all three points courtesy of a 2-0 win.
As mentioned, Hull currently sit 12th in the table having taken 20 points from their 18 matches. They led 2-0 against the champions Manchester United on Boxing Day, but lost 3-2 following a strong response from David Moyes’s side. Due to the proximity in the bottom half of the table, they are just four points off the relegation zone despite a fairly solid campaign to date.
Steve Bruce’s side have won five, drawn five and lost eight of their 18 league matches this season. They have been fairly strong on their own patch – collecting 15 points from their nine matches, which is more than Manchester United have claimed at Old Trafford. However, their away record – won one, drawn two and lost six – is the joint-worst in the league along with Stoke City.
Goals have been a problem for Hull, meanwhile, with just 16 strikes in their 17 matches. Robbie Brady is their top scorer with three goals, which is an indication of their problems. Down the other end, they have conceded 23 times, keeping five clean sheets in the process. They don’t concede many, but struggle to hit the back of the net.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Still no Brady for Hull this afternoon, but George Boyd is selected in the XI. Meanwhile, Alex Bruce and Danny Graham both drop out for the Tigers. Fulham are still without Dimitar Berbatov, but Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega both start. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
HULL: McGregor; Chester, Davies, Rosenior; Figueroa, Huddlestone, Livermore, Koren, Elmohamady; Boyd, Sagbo
FULHAM: Stockdale; Zverotic, Hughes, Amorebieta, Riise; Dejagah, Sidwell, Karagounis, Kasami; Ruiz; Rodallega
So there we have it. Liam Rosenior also comes into the Hull side this afternoon, while as expected, Maynor Figueroa and Ahmed Elmohamady will operate in the wing-back positions. Fulham, meanwhile, are still without first-choice goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, meaning that David Stockdale starts. Elsad Zverotic and Fernando Amorebieta are also selected in defence.
Despite Hull’s solid start to the season, they have struggled in recent weeks. A 3-1 win over Liverpool at the KC Stadium started the month of December, but they have not won in five games since – drawing with Swansea City, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion and losing to Arsenal and latterly Manchester United.
Three of the bottom four teams in the Premier League picked up wins on Boxing Day, which closed the gap on the sides above them. There are now just eight points separating bottom side Sunderland from 10th-place Stoke City. Southampton sit one place above on 27 points, which demonstrates the gap opening up between the top and bottom half of the division.
As mentioned, Fulham picked up a 2-1 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day. Despite that result, they remain in the bottom three, but are level on points with Crystal Palace, who sit just outside the drop zone on 16 points. They have won two of their last four league games, but it promises to be a difficult second half of the season for the Cottagers.
The London outfit have won just five of their 18 matches, drawing just once and losing 12 times in the process. Their home form has been extremely disappointing with just two wins from nine matches, collecting seven points in the process. However, they have won three times on the road, which is the same number as Manchester City and Chelsea.
Goals have also been a problem for Fulham with just 19 strikes in their 18 matches. Darren Bent was expected to ease some of the load on Dimitar Berbatov, but has failed to find form at Craven Cottage. Down the other end, it has been disastrous, with 35 goals conceded, which is the worst record in the division.
From the end of October until the beginning of December, Fulham lost seven times in a row in all competitions. That run led to Martin Jol leaving his position as head coach, but there have been signs of encouragement in the recent weeks. They have a number of talented attacking individuals, but have really struggled defensively due to the loss of key men.
Rene Meulensteen, who left his position as first-team coach of Manchester United in the summer, has since taken charge of Fulham, with results and performances improving in recent weeks. Former Charlton Athletic boss Alan Curbishley has also joined the backroom staff at Craven Cottage as the overhaul of the club continues. What Fulham can do in the January window will surely have a bearing on the remainder of the season.
Meulensteen’s opposite number Steve Bruce also has previous at Old Trafford having won three Premier League titles during a nine-year spell with Manchester United and the Fulham boss believes that Bruce’s time with Sir Alex Ferguson will stand him in good stead. He told reporters: “Any manager that has worked or played under Sir Alex Ferguson will have remembered things that they will use.”
He continued: “I'm sure Steve will be no different at all, Sir Alex always wanted teams to play with a lot of endeavour and speed - you have to see what you have at your disposal but the intentions are there, you only have to look at Hull's 3-1 win over Liverpool. He has got his feet under the table in the Premier League, you have an experience of knowing how to play away at all the different grounds and it doesn't faze him anymore.”
There are just four 3pm starts in the Premier League this afternoon - with Aston Villa hosting Swansea City, Manchester City hosting Crystal Palace and Manchester United travelling to Norwich City. Later this evening, Sunderland travel to Cardiff City in the 5.30pm clash. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole for all the action.
PREDICTION: Hull's home record in the Premier League has been strong this season, but their confidence will have taken a hit after losing to Manchester United. Fulham's best performances this season, meanwhile, have come on the road. I am finding it difficult to separate the two sides this afternoon and will therefore back a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. You just get the feeling that neither side can afford to lose this afternoon. It is the type of match where the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive.
Typically mild afternoon in Hull - perfect conditions for a game of football that is for certain. It will be interesting to see how both teams cope with the fixture congestion at this stage of the season. Let's hope for a end-to-end contest. The home side get the action underway at the KC Stadium.
Bright start from the home side as Livermore delivers a cross towards Sagbo, but Stockdale is out to collect at the vital moment. Hull are down the other end with Rodallega moments later, but Curtis Davies is on hand to clear. Plenty of intensity in the opening couple of minutes in this Premier League fixture.
Sagbo is again the target for the home side as Elmohamady delivers into the Hull box, but Hughes is on hand to challenge the winger. The end-to-end period continues as Kasami advances down the right for Fulham, but there are no takers on his low cross. Not too much to report in the opening four minutes.
It's good work from Kasami as the Fulham midfielder picks up possession in midfield before sliding a pass towards Ruiz, but Davies is across to clear the danger. It is the away supporters that are making most of the noise with six minutes on the clock. No real chances, however, in a match between two well-matched teams.
First half-chance of the match falls to Fulham as Kasami works the ball towards Riise on the left, but his low effort is saved by McGregor. Hull attempt to advance down the other end with Sagbo, but he asks too much from Boyd. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to warm to their task at the KC Stadium.
Strangely subdued atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with Fulham dominating the early stages. A free kick for the away side is played short before Kasami feed one towards Ruiz, but Davies is on hand to shepherd it towards his own goalkeeper. Just the one sight of goal for Fulham after 11 minutes of football.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Huddlestone's flick finds Sagbo inside the box, but Hughes is across to clear the danger. The pressure remains courtesy of a throw-in, but Karagounis eventually carries it clear. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as the match continues to dwindle in the early exchanges.
Opportunity for Hull to threaten from a free kick as Koren is felled down the left. The resulting set piece is taken by Huddlestone, but his low effort is saved by Stockdale. Fulham still have control of the possession in the middle of the park, but have been unable to release Ruiz or Rodallega thus far.
Just a reminder that three points for Fulham would move them out of the relegation zone, while a point might also be enough depending on Crystal Palace's result at Manchester City. Hull have enjoyed a period of possession in the last couple of moments, but are struggling to create anything of note in the final third. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock.
POST! Hull come close to taking the lead as Huddlestone curls a wonderful free kick from the edge of the box, but it smashes off the foot of the post. The atmosphere has started to rise inside the stadium as the home side threaten.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Hull once more as Elmohamady finds Boyd inside the box, but his effort is palmed over the crossbar by Stockdale. Moments later, the home side force another free kick outside the box as the pressure continues.
It is free-kick central at the moment as Hull have another set piece after Boyd is felled by Karagounis. Huddlestone once more delivers into the penalty area, but this time Stockdale is on hand to collect. Well, not much happened in the opening 19 minutes, but plenty has occurred in the last four or five minutes. Still goalless, but Hull are certainly on top.
Fulham threaten on the counter as Riise delivers a low cross into the Hull box, but Davies is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score during this impressive spell. Goals have been a problem this season and it is not too difficult to see why. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining at the KC Stadium.
It's brilliant work from Sagbo as the Hull forward collects a long pass from Huddlestone before finding Koren, but his effort is blocked by Hughes. Elmohamady has an effort on goal moments later, but Stockdale is on hand to make the save. The chances continue to fall for Hull, but Stockdale's clean sheet remains in tact with 28 minutes on the clock.
The home side continue to deliver deep crosses into the Fulham box, but Stockdale has been dominant in the air thus far. Kasami looks for the run of Zverotic down the other end, but cannot find his full-back. The noise levels rise inside the stadium as Sagbo curls a low effort towards the far corner, but it just moves wide of the post.
Fulham might have folded under this constant pressure earlier in the season, but they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. The home side continue to threaten, but Fulham look a more organised unit in defence. That said, on the balance of play Hull deserve to be leading as they force their third corner down the left.
You just get the feeling that one goal might be enough to take all three points this afternoon. That might be a strange thing to say at this stage of proceedings, but that is the way that the match is shaping up. Fulham have improved in terms of possession in the last couple of moments, but are really struggling to force the issue in the final third.
Half-chance for the home side as Huddlestone delivers a corner into the near post, but Ruiz is on hand to clear under severe pressure from Chester. Neither manager looks too pleased with what they have seen from their teams thus far as we enter the final stages of the first period at the KC Stadium.
Dejagah takes matters into his own hands for Fulham as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Neither side is impressing in possession at the moment as attacks continue to break down in the final third. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining. Still we await the first goal of the contest.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. It has not been a particularly dirty match in that context, but it has been untidy. It is not too difficult to see why both of these teams have struggled to score this season.
Half-chance for Huddlestone as the Hull midfielder collects a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. That pretty much sums up the first period at the KC Stadium. The home side have had the majority of the attempts, but clear opportunities have been few and far between.
HALF-TIME: Hull 0-0 Fulham
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Hull have had the better of the opportunities, but neither side has really done enough to deserve to be leading at this stage of proceedings. Let's hope that the intensity rises in the second 45 minutes.
STATISTICS: Fulham have just shaded the possession with 52%, but they have managed just two attempts to Hull's six. The best chance of the half fell to Huddlestone, but his free kick rattled the foot of the post. It would not be a surprise if Tigers boss Steve Bruce looked to alter proceedings ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Graham, Meyler and Fryatt. Meanwhile, Fulham have the likes of Richardson, Kacaniklic and Bent in reserve. It is the type of match where one goal could be enough to secure all the points.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that three points would be enough to move Fulham out of the relegation zone. No changes for either side at the interval as Fulham get the second period underway at the KC Stadium. Let's hope for more opportunities.
Bright start to the second period from the home side as Livermore finds Huddlestone on the edge of the box, but the former Spurs midfielder's effort whistles wide of the post. Still no hair-cut for Huddlestone, but he has looked the most likely in this one. Fulham have not been allowed to start in the second half thus far.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side as Stockdale can only parry Sagbo's effort into the path of Koren, but the Fulham stopper is on hand to make a fine save.
GOAL! Hull 1-0 Fulham (Elmohamady)
Hull take the lead with 49 minutes on the clock as Elmohamady finds some space inside the box before firing his effort into the top corner. The early pressure has paid off for the Tigers.
Darren Bent has been sent to warm up for the away side, which is not much of a surprise. Fulham defended well in the first period, but now they will be forced to attack. The noise level has risen inside the stadium as the pressure continues. Fulham just need to quell the tide for the next five minutes or so.
The home side continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the Fulham box, but Stockdale has been impressive aerially thus far. Fulham enjoy a period of possession moments later, but the move breaks down when McGregor collects a long pass from Sidwell. Still 1-0 with 55 minutes on the clock.
We are getting to the stage in the match where Fulham will be thinking about changes. Something has to happen that is for certain. At the moment, Hull are on their way to a comfortable three points. The ball has spent most of its time in the air in the last five minutes or so.
It's brilliant work from Boyd as the Hull midfielder drives down the left before finding Sagbo on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked by Hughes. Fulham just cannot get the ball at the moment as Livermore drives into the area, but once more the danger is cleared.
GOAL! Hull 2-0 Fulham (Koren)
The home side have daylight at the KC Stadium as Koren turns a low Sagbo cross into the back of the net from close range. Wonderful work from the Tigers. Can Fulham respond?
Fulham make their first change of the match as Kacaniklic replaces Ruiz, who has really struggled to influence proceedings in this clash. Fulham continue to struggle as Livermore strikes one from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in this league contest.
GOAL! Hull 3-0 Fulham (Boyd)
It gets worse for Fulham after 63 minutes as Boyd finds some space on the edge of the box before placing one into the bottom corner. That prompts Fulham into another change as Bent replaces Dejagah.
Fulham have made two changes, but is it too late?! In truth, it would take a minor miracle for the away side to turn this one around. The last thing the Cottagers need is to be beaten by five or six this afternoon and therefore damage limitation is the name of the game.
GOAL! Hull 4-0 Fulham (Huddlestone)
Time to get the clippers out! Hull have their fourth of the match as Huddlestone thumps one into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Some of the defending from Fulham was comical.
Fulham have been simply blown away in the second period. Hull make their first change of the match as Sagbo is replaced by Fryatt. This could get a lot worse for the away side in the latter stages. They just need to sustain a period of possession.
Half-chance for Fulham this time as Kacaniklic strikes one from the edge of the box, but McGregor is on hand to make the save. That is the closest that the away side have come to scoring in the second period, which tells the whole story. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the KC Stadium.
Hull make their second change of the match as Graham replaces Livermore, who has put in another impressive performance. Along with Huddlestone, he has provided real quality in the middle of the park.
GOAL! Hull 5-0 Fulham (Fryatt)
Hull have their fifth of the match after 74 minutes. Huddlestone's free kick smashes against the crossbar, but Fryatt is first to react inside the box. Disastrous for Fulham.
Fulham make their third and final change as Richardson replaces Karagounis. The bad news for Fulham is that there are still more than 15 minutes of football remaining. It has been a terrible, terrible afternoon for the Cottagers at the KC Stadium.
Hull make their third and final change as McShane replaces Elmohamady. It is almost like a training exercise for Hull at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the Fulham box. It would not be a surprise if there were a couple more goals in the latter stages.
Huddlestone has been different glass for Hull this afternoon as he continues to run the match from the middle of the park. Fulham have just been unable to deal with his range of passing. Another free kick from Huddlestone comes into the Fulham box, but Stockdale is on hand to collect.
Opportunity for Fulham to threaten from outside the box as Richardson is felled in the act of shooting. The resulting set piece is taken by Rodallega, but his effort is straight into the wall. Eventually it falls to Zverotic, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Fulham enjoying their best spell in terms of possession. A half-chance arrives for Kacaniklic inside the Hull box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining on this miserable afternoon for Fulham and their supporters.
GOAL! Hull 6-0 Fulham (Koren)
Hull have their sixth in the latter stages as Koren pokes home from close range after Stockdale can only parry into the middle of the box. It just gets worse and worse for Fulham.
What will this result do to Fulham's season? They had shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, but have really struggled this afternoon. Scott Parker has been the main miss in the middle of the park. Another half-chance falls to Boyd, but his low effort is wide of the post.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as Hull continue to keep possession in the middle of the park. I predicted a 1-1 draw before this match - shows what I know! You would not back against Hull making it seven in the final stages of this Premier League clash.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Hull are not finished as they continue to force the ball into the Fulham are. The nightmare is almost over for the Cottagers.
FULL-TIME: Hull 6-0 Fulham
So there we have it. Hull thump Fulham 6-0 at the KC Stadium, with Huddlestone now due a hair-cut! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all of the reaction. Until then!
