The on loan Liverpool youngster snatched a huge three points for City
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
17:08, 31 Jan 2026
Hull City's Lewis Koumas scores the winner at Blackburn
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Hull City's Lewis Koumas scores the winner at Blackburn(Image: PA)
Lewis Koumas' clinical debut finish nine minutes from time earned Hull City a crucial 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers to make it four straight wins. Just as they had done in the two previous games against Rovers this season, City struggled to create chances in a drab first half which the home side probably just about shaded.
Koumas came off the bench to fire in the winner in front of 3,000 away fans at Ewood Park, and continue the Tigers' remarkable rise up the Championship table. Here's how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon....
Ivor Pandur: Good save to deny Ryan Alebiosu in the first half. His handling was solid when it needed to be. Not a huge amount to do, but he did what he had to well. 8/10
Akin Famewo: Started well with a good slide to stop Ohashi and then a header away from a free-kick. Stuck to his task at left-back well before coming off. 8/10
Charlie Hughes: A good first half, and he had to do his fair share of work. Took a heavy knock early in the second half and looked like he'd go off, but managed to stay on after some lengthy treatment. 8/10
John Egan: Important header out early on from a good Cantwell ball in. A really composed display with City coming under heavy pressure at times. 8/10
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Lewie Coyle: Notched a double century of league appearances for the club and did a solid enough job in the first period, but couldn't get forward. Did his job brilliantly second half. 8/10
Regan Slater: Lovely ball win before driving into the box and forcing a good save from the goalkeeper, as good as it got in the first period. Kept battling even though it wasn't his best display. 6/10
John Lundstram: A first start since October for the midfielder and at times early on, looked rusty and short of fitness. Brought off on the hour. 5/10
Amir Hadziahmetovic: Deployed in the number 10 role and couldn't really get into a scrappy, ugly game. Showed much more authority second half and a lovely touch for the winner. 7/10
Joe Gelhardt: Drifted from side to side, without being able to impact the game in the opening period. There were a couple of flashes in the second half without any major threat. Still working his way back to full fitness, it should be remembered. 5/10
Liam Millar: Struggled in the opening period and looked really frustrated with himself at times. He created a chance for himself with a run from back to front before his shot was blocked. Struggled all afternoon. 5/10
Oli McBurnie: Not in the game in the first half, aside from when he was hacked down by Cantwell. Not his afternoon, but in fairness, he had absolutely no service. 5/10
Subs:
Kieran Dowell (for Lundstram 60): Glorious chance to open the scoring but blazed his volley over from close range after Yu had teed him up. 6/10
Yu Hirakawa (for Millar 60): Was tidy in his work, and offered City a threat in the closing stages. Uses the ball so very well. 6/10
Matty Jacob (for Famewo) 70: On for the final 20 minutes and did his job well on the left side. Did his job well enough. 6/10
Kyle Joseph (for McBurnie 75): Played in Koumas for the winning goal. Should have made it safe when he was through in the final minute. 6/10
Lewis Koumas (for Gelhardt 75): Came on for his debut in the final stages and what an impact, scoring the winner moments after coming on with a clinical finish. What a special moment, he'll be on cloud nine. 8/10
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