Hull City keep Aston Villa at bay to extend remarkable Premier League start

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi helped Hull City preserve their unbeaten defensive record as they held Aston Villa to a goalless draw in Saturday’s Premier League match.

The Nigeria international was making his third appearance for the Tigers since joining the side and produced a composed performance at the heart of the defence. Hull prevented the visitors from creating any serious danger for long periods, although Ajayi was booked in the 39th minute for a heavy challenge on a Villa player.

Hull have yet to concede since returning to the Premier League, an extraordinary start for a side many had identified as favourites for relegation before the campaign began.

Their impressive opening to the season continued to dominate the narrative on the third weekend of the new Premier League campaign. The result leaves Hull City second in the early-season table with seven points, while Aston Villa remain 17th with only one point from their opening matches.

The hosts finished the game strongly and came close to securing all three points when Mohamed Belloumi struck the crossbar with a superb effort.

The best opportunity of the match came in the 65th minute. Hull played a corner short before Belloumi received a quick return pass and attempted an ambitious left-footed curler. His effort beat the goalkeeper but clipped the woodwork rather than finding the net.

Neither side could find a decisive moment thereafter, meaning Hull had to settle for a point despite their late pressure. Aston Villa, meanwhile, were unable to turn possession into a clear-cut chance and left with a result that does little to improve their position near the bottom of the table.

Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic is nevertheless likely to have been the more satisfied of the two managers. He signed a new contract on Friday and has overseen a start that has exceeded expectations, with his team unbeaten and yet to concede a goal after three weekends of Premier League action.

For Villa, the draw extends a difficult beginning to the campaign. They sit 17th on one point, while Hull’s disciplined display and strong finish ensured the newly promoted side maintained their place among the early pace-setters.