Hull City secured a vital 2‑1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s on 17 January 2026, climbing back into the Championship play‑off places. Kyle Joseph opened the scoring, and Charlie Hughes added a late winner that lifted the Tigers to sixth spot with ten games remaining, reigniting their promotion challenge.
Match Summary
The atmosphere at St Mary’s was electric as 31,000 fans watched the Tigers battle the Saints. Southampton took the lead in the 23rd minute through forward Adam Armstrong. Hull responded just before the hour‑mark when Kyle Joseph latched onto a through‑ball and slotted past goalkeeper Alex Morrison. The decisive blow came in the 78th minute as Charlie Hughes cut inside from the left and curled a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing a 2‑1 win.
Key Stats
- Possession: Southampton 48% – Hull City 52%
- Shots (on target): Southampton 12 (4) – Hull City 15 (6)
- Pass accuracy: Southampton 78% – Hull City 81%
- Corners: Southampton 5 – Hull City 7
Background
Hull entered the match in eighth place, five points off the automatic promotion spots and just outside the play‑off zone. Inconsistent form and injuries to key players had hampered their progress. Southampton, recently relegated from the Premier League, sat 12th and were struggling to find a consistent rhythm.
Implications
The three points propel Hull City into sixth place, putting them on the cusp of the play‑off ladder with ten games left. Manager Liam Graham praised his side’s resilience, highlighting the impact of the late goals and the return of defender Nathan Simeon, who helped secure the lead.
For Southampton, the defeat deepens the urgency of their upcoming fixtures. A home clash against Leeds United will test their ability to rebound and keep their promotion hopes alive.
Looking Ahead
The Championship race remains wide open. Hull City must sustain momentum against fellow top‑six rivals, while Southampton needs to rediscover the attacking spark that gave them an early lead at St Mary’s. Both teams now have a clear message for their competitors: Hull’s double‑over triumph demonstrates a side capable of delivering under pressure, and Southampton’s setback highlights the fine margins that separate promotion aspirants from mid‑table stagnation.
