Hull City hold Aston Villa to extend unbeaten Premier League start

Aston Villa’s difficult opening to the Premier League season continued as Unai Emery’s side were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Hull City on Saturday.

Villa remain without a win after three matches and sit 17th in the table, having already been beaten by Brighton and Arsenal. Hull, meanwhile, preserved their unbeaten record and climbed to second with seven points from their opening three games.

Aston Villa created the clearer chances but could not turn their pressure into a goal. Nicolas Jackson came close inside the opening two minutes when he headed Ian Maatsen’s delivery narrowly wide.

Ross Barkley then had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 25th minute, but his effort from inside the penalty area flew just off target.

Villa believed they should have been awarded a penalty shortly before half-time. Jackson made contact with Hull defender Nobel Mendy as he tried to reach George Hemmings’ cross, but referee Michael Oliver rejected the appeal. The decision was reviewed by VAR and allowed to stand.

The visitors continued to threaten after the interval. John McGinn was picked out unmarked in front of goal by Jackson early in the second half, but he failed to make the most of the opening.

Hull were close to taking the lead in the 65th minute when Mohamed Belloumi’s curling attempt beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The ball, however, struck the crossbar and bounced away.

Villa pushed forward in search of a late winner, but Hull finished the match with the best opportunity of the closing stages. Mohamed-Ali Cho appeared poised to settle the contest before Suzuki produced a crucial save in the 89th minute to protect the hosts’ point.

The result represents a positive start for Hull after their promotion, with the Tigers still unbeaten following three matches. For Villa, it extends an unexpected early-season struggle, with Emery’s team yet to register a victory and having scored too little to convert their territorial advantage into three points.