West Bromwich Albion were forced to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Hull City at The Hawthorns after Abu Kamara’s late equalizer denied them a crucial victory in their promotion chase. Despite dominating for much of the match, Carlos Corberán’s men failed to hold onto their lead, and the result leaves them with ground to make up in the race for Premier League football.
The Baggies had looked in control after an early goal from Brandon Thomas-Asante, but a combination of missed chances, resilient Hull defending, and a moment of magic from Kamara ensured the visitors left with a well-earned point.
Baggies Strike Early but Fail to Capitalize
With the stakes high for West Brom, they started the game with intensity, looking to put Hull City under pressure right from the kickoff. The home fans roared their team forward, and the players responded with quick passing and aggressive pressing.
The breakthrough came just 11 minutes into the match. Jed Wallace picked up the ball on the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box. Thomas-Asante, showing great awareness, peeled away from his marker and fired a powerful first-time shot past Hull goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.
It was exactly the start Corberán’s side needed, and they nearly doubled their lead five minutes later. Grady Diangana found space on the left, cut inside, and unleashed a curling effort that forced Allsop into a fingertip save.
Hull struggled to settle in the opening exchanges, but as the half progressed, they grew into the game. Jean Michaël Seri and Regan Slater began to dictate play in midfield, trying to disrupt West Brom’s rhythm.
In the 32nd minute, Hull had their first clear chance. Ozan Tufan broke forward and slipped a pass into Liam Delap, who unleashed a powerful shot, but Alex Palmer was equal to it, making a crucial save.
Despite their dominance in possession and chances created, West Brom couldn’t extend their lead before halftime. Their lack of clinical finishing would prove costly as the match wore on.
Missed Opportunities Come Back to Haunt West Brom
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with West Brom continuing to control possession and push for a second goal.
In the 51st minute, Wallace played a clever ball through to Thomas-Asante, who found himself one-on-one with Allsop. However, the Hull goalkeeper rushed out quickly and smothered the shot, keeping the visitors in the game.
West Brom’s frustrations grew as they continued to create chances but failed to put the game to bed. In the 65th minute, Diangana once again cut inside and took a shot from the edge of the box, but his effort curled just wide of the post.
Hull, on the other hand, remained patient, waiting for their opportunity to strike on the counterattack. With time running out, manager Liam Rosenior made attacking changes, bringing on Abu Kamara and Scott Twine in a bid to rescue a point.
Kamara’s Late Equalizer Stuns The Hawthorns
As West Brom looked to see out the final 10 minutes, Hull found a sudden burst of energy. In the 83rd minute, they put together their best move of the match.
Slater won the ball in midfield and quickly fed Twine, who delivered an inch-perfect pass to Kamara. The forward cut inside onto his left foot and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Palmer with no chance.
The away supporters erupted in celebration, knowing their side had just stolen a crucial point against one of the league’s top teams.
West Brom, shell-shocked, threw everything forward in the final minutes, but Hull’s defense held firm. A late header from Darnell Furlong was cleared off the line, and Wallace saw his stoppage-time effort saved comfortably by Allsop.
The final whistle blew, and Hull City had successfully frustrated their promotion-chasing opponents.
-
Carlos Corberán (West Brom Manager):
“It’s disappointing. We controlled the game, created chances, but we didn’t kill it off. At this stage of the season, small mistakes cost you, and we let them back into the game. We have to be more ruthless.”
-
Liam Rosenior (Hull City Manager):
“I’m really proud of the team. We knew West Brom would dominate possession, but we stayed compact and took our chance when it came. Abu (Kamara) showed his quality at the perfect moment.”
-
Abu Kamara on His Equalizer:
“It was an amazing feeling. I saw the space, took my chance, and I’m happy to have helped the team get a result.”
West Brom’s Promotion Hopes Take a Hit
Dropping points at home when leading could prove costly in the long run. The Baggies remain in the mix for automatic promotion, but this draw adds pressure to their upcoming fixtures.
Hull’s Defensive Resilience Paid Off
Despite a slow start, Hull stayed disciplined and waited for their opportunity. Their defensive organization and clinical finishing earned them a crucial point.
West Brom’s Missed Chances a Concern
The Baggies had multiple opportunities to seal the win but failed to convert. If they want to secure promotion, they must be more efficient in front of goal.
Kamara’s Impact Off the Bench
The Hull forward changed the game with his energy and finishing ability. His performance could earn him more starts in the coming weeks.
-
West Brom’s Crucial Fixtures Ahead
West Brom must quickly regroup and refocus. Their next match is a must-win if they want to stay on track for promotion. Corberán will demand a reaction from his players.
-
Hull City’s Playoff Push
Hull continue to build momentum. If they maintain their defensive discipline and attacking sharpness, they could make a late surge for a playoff spot.
West Brom will feel they let two points slip away, while Hull City will take confidence from their resilience and ability to snatch a result against a top side.
With the season reaching its critical stage, every point matters. For West Brom, this was a missed opportunity, but for Hull, it was a hard-earned reward.
Both teams still have plenty to play for, and their performances in the coming weeks will determine their fate.
Also Read:
- SBOTOP Preston North End 2-1 Portsmouth: Thordarson’s Late Strike Seals Dramatic Victory at Deepdale
- SBOTOP Southampton 1-2 Wolves: Larsen’s Brace Sinks Saints as Pereira’s Men Pull Further from Relegation Zone
- SBOTOP Man City 2-2 Brighton: Haaland Sets New Scoring Record but Guardiola’s Men Stumble in Top-Four Battle
