Hull City vs Middlesbrough Match Recap - Dec 5, 2025

Middlesbrough Dominates Hull City in a 4-1 Rout, Solidifying Their Playoff Aspirations

Middlesbrough's emphatic 4-1 victory over Hull City at MKM Stadium underscores their status as serious contenders in the Championship. This match not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted Hull's ongoing struggles to maintain consistency.

Middlesbrough's recent form has been impressive, with this win marking their third victory in five matches. The team has shown resilience, bouncing back from a disappointing 2-4 loss to Coventry just a week prior. Morgan Whittaker, who scored in this match, has been a key figure for Middlesbrough, continuing his strong run of form after netting two goals against Derby in their last outing. His ability to find the net consistently has made him a vital asset in their attacking lineup.

Hull City, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, with this match being a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities. Despite a recent win against Stoke City, they have struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. Their last five matches reveal a pattern of fluctuating performances, with only two wins and three losses. Joe Gelhardt, who scored Hull's lone goal from the penalty spot, has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster attack. However, his efforts alone have not been enough to lift the team out of their recent slump.

Statistically, Middlesbrough dominated the match in nearly every category. They led Hull City in shots on goal (5 to 0) and total shots (7 to 0), showcasing their offensive efficiency. The disparity in ball possession (54% for Middlesbrough compared to 46% for Hull) further illustrates how effectively Middlesbrough controlled the game. Their pass accuracy of 87% compared to Hull's 79% indicates a higher level of precision and composure under pressure.

The expected goals (xG) metric tells a compelling story as well. Middlesbrough's xG of 1.07 dwarfed Hull's 0.00, highlighting their ability to create quality scoring opportunities while Hull struggled to threaten the opposition's goal. This lack of offensive output is alarming for Hull, especially considering they managed only one shot on target throughout the match.

Defensively, Middlesbrough's backline held firm against Hull's attempts to break through. The combination of Matt Targett and Alfie Jones provided stability, allowing the midfielders to push forward and support the attack without compromising defensive integrity. Hull's inability to capitalize on any chances reflects their ongoing issues in front of goal, which have plagued them throughout the season.

Looking ahead, Hull City faces Wrexham next, where they will need to regroup and find a way to convert possession into goals if they hope to climb the standings. Their current position at ninth place with 28 points is precarious, and further slip-ups could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.

Middlesbrough will travel to Charlton next, aiming to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the top tier of the Championship. With 33 points and sitting comfortably in second place, they are well-positioned for a playoff run if they can maintain this level of performance.

This match serves as a crucial turning point for both teams. For Middlesbrough, it reinforces their status as title contenders; for Hull City, it raises urgent questions about their ability to compete consistently at this level. The contrasting trajectories of these two teams will be fascinating to watch as the season progresses.