Hull City statistic shows major positive for Sergej Jakirovic, but one underlying issue has been found

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Following Hull City’s draw with Swansea City, the stats have suggested that, while Sergej Jakirovic has plenty to build on, there is one concern that must be addressed.

Hull City drew with Swansea City in the dying minutes, with the Tigers waiting until the 97th minute to make it 2-2.

After going 1-0 down, the Tigers levelled it up through Oli McBurnie, coming back to haunt his side with a poacher’s finish.

While the Swans thought they had won the contest, with Ronald putting them back in front just before the hour mark, John Egan slammed home an effort past the grasp of Lawrence Vigouroux.

Following the game, Sergej Jakirovic has delivered his verdict, suggesting that his side ‘didn’t deserve to lose’, and while that does reflect in the stats, there is an alarming issue facing Hull City.

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Hull City must solve defensive woes despite attacking quality

Sergej Jakirovic was very complimentary of his side following the draw against Swansea City, noting the quality they showed in the final third.

“My opinion is that we didn’t deserve to lose this game. In the second half, we had a lot of chances, clear chances,” he said, via Hull Live. “Again, the goalkeeper saved unbelievable shots like in Bristol at 3-1 down with Oli McBurnie.”

However, he also had some constructive criticism to deliver about his Hull City team when it came to defensive concerns.

“What is very, very bad for us is that we conceded the goal in the counter-attack. Maybe we can take the lead 2-1 (though Joe Gelhardt’s header), but I’m very happy for the lads because we didn’t surrender until the end,” continued Jakirovic.

“We couldn’t take the ball if you remember, so we changed, and then we had more pressure on the defence of Swansea, and in the end, it’s a reward that we took one point. It’s very important for us.”

Hull City’s defensive issues are summed up best, via SofaScore, which states that the Tigers conceded far few chances, but still shipped two goals.

Swansea City managed just two shots on target in the contest and an xG of 1.00, compared to Hull City’s 1.61.

Defensively, there is clearly much to be improved on from Hull City’s point of view, having conceded from both shots on target.

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Sergej Jakirovic has delivered a vast attacking improvement

While defensive concerns need to be ironed out by the Bosnian, there is plenty to excite Hull City fans on the attacking front.

The 2024/25 Championship season saw Hull City finish as the lowest goal scorers in the division, but things are vastly different this season for the free-scoring Tigers.

In five games, Hull City have scored a respectable seven, with Oli McBurnie playing an integral role in that.

Hull City chairman Acun Ilicali has been complimentary of McBurnie, having predicted him to manage 15+ Championship goals this season, and based on his start at the MKM Stadium, that feels like a great possibility.