Millar strikes late as Hull City continue dream Premier League start at Coventry

Substitute Liam Millar scored an 82nd-minute winner as Hull City beat Coventry City 1-0 at the CBS Arena on Saturday, 29 August 2026. The victory maintains Hull's unbeaten start to the Premier League season, while Coventry remain without a point after their first home game in the top flight for 25 years.

  • Date: 29 August 2026
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: CBS Arena, Coventry
  • Result: Coventry City 0-1 Hull City
  • Goal: Liam Millar 82'
  • Referee: Josh Smith

Team news

Coventry City starting XI: Rushworth; van Ewijk, Thomas, Amenda, Da Silva; Grimes, Yirenkyi, Rudoni, Tchaouna, Mason-Clark; Awoniyi.

Coventry City substitutes: B. Thomas-Asante, Sakamoto, Hamer, Torp, Pinnock, Simms, Latibeaudiere, Kitching, Bentley.

Hull City starting XI: Tzolakis; Coyle, Egan, Ajayi, Mendy; Slater, Morita, Stroud, Belloumi; McBurnie, Giles.

Hull City substitutes: Drameh, Gourna-Douath, Herrington, Millar, Cho, Targett, Hjerto Dahl, Phillips, McNair.

The numbers

Coventry dominated possession with 69% to Hull's 31%, and registered a higher expected goals tally of 1.28 compared to Hull's 0.73. The Sky Blues had three shots on goal to Hull's two, while Hull created two big chances. Coventry completed 490 accurate passes (86%), whereas Hull managed 176 (67%). Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis made three saves, while Coventry's Carl Rushworth made two. Coventry's Taiwo Awoniyi had the most shots on goal (2) and the highest xG (0.94) in the match. Hull's Nampalys Mendy completed 26 accurate passes, and John Egan made one tackle won and six duels won.

How Hull ground out another win

Coventry started brightly in front of a home crowd experiencing Premier League football for the first time in 25 years. Taiwo Awoniyi came closest for the Sky Blues in the first half, forcing a save from Konstantinos Tzolakis with a header from inside the box. Despite Coventry's pressure, Hull's defence held firm, with Semi Ajayi particularly impressive according to the commentary, constantly clearing the ball.

Hull struggled to impose themselves in the first half, managing just one shot on target before the break. Manager [Hull boss] made a double substitution at half-time, bringing on Cody Drameh and Lucas Gourna-Douath for Lewie Coyle and Hidemasa Morita. The changes helped Hull gain a foothold, though Coventry continued to probe. Nampalys Mendy tested Rushworth with a volley from distance in the 50th minute.

The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Liam Millar, who had earlier dragged a shot wide on the counterattack, was set free by Mohamed Belloumi. The Canadian travelled from the halfway line before calmly slotting past Rushworth. It was Millar's second attempt on goal, having seen a 74th-minute effort off target. Coventry pushed for an equaliser, with Da Silva heading straight at Tzolakis in stoppage time, but Hull held on for a second consecutive clean sheet and a perfect start to their Premier League campaign.

Talking points

  • Millar's impact: The substitute redeemed himself after an earlier miss, scoring the winning goal and proving the difference for Hull.
  • Coventry's wastefulness: Despite higher xG (1.28) and more possession, Coventry failed to score, with Awoniyi guilty of missing the best chance (0.94 xG).
  • Hull's resilience: The Tigers defended doggedly, with Ajayi outstanding, and secured a second clean sheet of the season.

What happens next

Coventry City travel to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in their next Premier League fixture. Hull City host Aston Villa at the MKM Stadium. Both matches are scheduled for the weekend of 5-6 September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Who scored the winning goal in Coventry 0-1 Hull?

Liam Millar scored the only goal of the game in the 82nd minute.

What was the expected goals (xG) in Coventry 0-1 Hull?

Coventry had an xG of 1.28, while Hull's was 0.73.

When is Hull City's next match?

Hull City host Aston Villa in their next Premier League fixture.

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