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Southampton 0 - Hull 0: Jakupovic keeps survival hopes alive after stunning penalty save
HULL’S sensational surge towards top-flight survival continued, courtesy of a stunning last-gasp penalty save from Eldin Jakupovic.
Eldin Jakupovic saved a last-gasp penalty from Dusan Tadic to keep Hull's survival hopes alive
Dusan Tadic’s shot was struck hard and true – and appeared to be destined for the bottom corner. But the Swiss stopper flung himself full stretch to claw away the Serb’s strike.
Delighted Hull coach Marco Silva said: “That penalty save is a really important moment for us.”
And next up for the Tigers are doomed Sunderland – at their KC Stadium fortress where Hull have taken 19 points out of 21 under Silva.
But the visitors may be kicking themselves. Before yesterday they had picked up a paltry point from the last 21 available on their travels.
Had they managed to secure an away win – against a Saints team with nothing to play for – Hull could have gone home FIVE points ahead of fellow-strugglers Swansea who visit Manchester United today.
Eldin Jakupovic saves a penalty kick from Dusan Tadic at St Mary's
Southampton, sitting safely in mid-table obscurity, did not manage a shot on target in the first half. The Saints played better in the second period but could not find a way past Hull’s resilient rearguard.
Saints boss Claude Puel said: “We were too slow and didn’t create enough chances or space. But you must congratulate Hull because they defended well. It was a fair result.”
Silva said: “It was a good performance. Every game is a final for us and there is big pressure. For me it’s normal and I want to players to get used to it – and enjoy it.”