Oli McBurnie sends Hull City back to the Premier League! Late goal seals narrow win in Championship play-off final as Sergej Jakirovic’s team overcome Middlesbrough

Hull City’s path to the Premier League has been built on defensive solidity. They reached the top flight without conceding a single goal across both legs of the semi-finals and the Wembley showpiece. Furthermore, they become the first team since Cardiff City in 2010 to earn promotion after finishing the regular season in sixth place.

Jakirovic’s tactical approach was validated by the result, even if they ceded control of the ball for long periods. Speaking after the final whistle, the match-winner reflected on the nature of the win. “For the first time ever, I think I’m speechless. It has been a long hard season and I think that games sums up. I don’t think we’ve won a game when having more possession. I just felt like today it was written for me,” McBurnie said.