The Tigers ended their 15-year wait for a Carrow Road victory
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
15:39, 01 Nov 2025Updated 15:42, 01 Nov 2025
Darko Gyabi enjoys his moment after sealing Hull City's 2-0 win at Norwich City
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Darko Gyabi enjoys his moment after sealing Hull City's 2-0 win at Norwich City(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Sergej Jakirovic hailed Hull City's 2-0 win at Norwich City after becoming the first Tigers boss to return to East Yorkshire victorious in 15 years, and just the second in 53 years.
A fourth goal in as many games from Joe Gelhardt got City off and running four minutes into the second half, before Darko Gyabi stepped off the bench to seal the win three minutes from time.
It wasn't all plain sailing for City, who were awful in the first half and fortunate to go in at half-time goalless, having been second best all over the park.
Jakirovic admits his side survived before he changed shape at half-time and sent on Semi Ajayi, which sparked a major upturn in fortunes, and Gelhardt's strike turned the game on its head.
"We survived in the first half," Jakirovic told Hull Live. "They were much better than we were, much better. We couldn't do anything, especially, I can say, in possession, out of possession. I think they had seven clear chances.
"And we survived. Maybe in the 15 minutes towards the end of the first half, we tried to drop with Amir so that we have more stability in the defensive line.
"With Semi (Ajayi), we gained stability and tried to press them with two wingers and Kyle in front. Then it's one against one all over the pitch, and especially when Joffy (Gelhardt) scored the goal, then it's your confidence, it's much better. They are under pressure because of five defeats in a row.
"We tried to use that, but they were much better, I can admit easily, but this football. You have to get to half-time (goalless), and I knew at half-time that we cannot play like we did in the first half.
"This is not possible because we didn't show up here. It's a huge victory for us, especially after 15 years, so we broke the curse and also the third win since 1972. It's a huge victory, huge three points, and we're looking forward."
Key to City's resurgence in the second period was the introduction of Ajayi, who had been rested with two more games coming up in the week ahead.
"Semi gave us stability, and because they are with this number 10 in the pockets with the half spaces, they caused a lot of danger for us, especially when it's open ball. The captain (Kenny McLean), when he opens up with the ball, Number 23 for me, great player. He sees everything, and then it's behind your back; it's very dangerous. They are very quick in front.
"They are a little bit unlucky because in previous games they were much better. They had a lot of chances, but they didn't score, and this is something in this season for them, but they're playing well.
"I knew before this game that it would be a mentally demanding game because when you watch the table, it's eight points (the gap between both clubs before the game), we have 19. We are in a comfort zone, but in every game in the Championship, it is very difficult.
"I was very, very calm at half-time because you need to encourage them to be braver on the ball, to believe in themselves, and that was the main goal in the dressing room."
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