Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Hull 1 - Norwich 0: Tom Huddlestone can cut it with the best
STEVE BRUCE rates Tom Huddlestone as the smoothest operator at Hull, despite his “Michael Jackson” haircut.
The summer signing from Tottenham has vowed only to cut his hair when he bags his first goal for the Tigers.
Huddlestone has not come close yet, but did help Hull get their first win of the season with a classy display in the heart of midfield against Norwich.
“He needs to score a goal, doesn’t he,” joked Bruce.
“He did it for charity. You should see him without the hairband – it’s Jackson of the Seventies. It makes him look 9ft 6in.
“The crowd realise they are watching a class act . He can play off both feet and has a natural gift to make the game look so easy. That is the sign of a great player.”
The Tigers held on to a 1-0 lead after Yannick Sagbo was sent off for an attempted headbutt on Russell Martin in the 27th minute.
It came five minutes after Robbie Brady slotted home from a penalty following former Hull defender Michael Turner’s clumsy challenge on Sagbo at the opposite end.
Johan Elmander’s header, tipped over by Allan McGregor in the 67th minute, was the closest the Canaries came to drawing level.
It left Norwich looking for their first win of the season and boss Chris Hughton hopes tomorrow’s Capital One Cup tie against League Two Bury will be a chance to build momentum.
Hughton said: “The cup is not our priority but it is a good opportunity for us to use the squad and get confidence.”
MATCH FACTS
Hull (4-3-3): McGregor 8; Elmohamady 7, Davies 8, Chester 7, Figueroa 7; Huddlestone 8, Livermore 7, Koren 7 (Rosenior 83); Brady 6 (Boyd 80), Aluko 8 (Graham 72, 6), Sagbo 4.
Booked: Livermore.
Sent off: Sagbo 27.
Goal: Brady 22 pen.
Norwich (4-4-1-1): Ruddy 6; Whittaker 6, Turner 6, Martin 6, Garrido 6; Howson 6, Tettey 5 (Elmander 65, 6), Johnson 5 (Snodgrass 46, 6), Redmond 6 (Hoolahan 73, 6); Fer 6; Van Wolfswinkel 6.
Booked: Garrido.
Referee: M Jones (Cheshire).