Hull City 1-4 Middlesbrough: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Hull City 1-4 Middlesbrough in the Championship on Friday, 05 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Middlesbrough won 4-1 against Hull City. The visitors took an early lead when David Strelec scored in the ninth minute, assisted by Morgan Whittaker, and they built on that with Alex Gilbert finding the net in the 32nd, assisted by Tommy Conway. Morgan Whittaker added a third in the 35th minute, assisted by Alex Gilbert, before Riley McGree made it four just before the break in the 44th, with an assist from Alex Bangura. Coming off a mixed run with two wins and three losses in their last five, Hull struggled to respond in the first half.

Hull City pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Joe Gelhardt’s penalty, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. Middlesbrough, who have won three of their last five including this one, managed the game well after the interval despite Hull’s efforts. The result leaves Hull reflecting on back-to-back home defeats, while Middlesbrough continue their push near the top.

Middlesbrough edged possession with 55% compared to Hull’s 45%, which helped them control spells and create more corners, earning five against Hull’s two. Hull showed flair in attack with 47 successful dribbles to Middlesbrough’s 33, suggesting they were lively on the ball but lacked end product, as seen in their zero assists against Middlesbrough’s four. Both sides used all five substitutions, with Hull making two at half-time to try and shift momentum, but disciplinary issues cropped up for Hull with one yellow card and a penalty conceded, while Middlesbrough stayed clean.

The stats underline Middlesbrough’s efficiency in turning chances into goals, especially in the first half, without relying on penalties – Hull’s sole goal came from one, but it couldn’t turn the tide.

Middlesbrough dominated the first half with four goals: David Strelec opened the scoring in the ninth minute assisted by Morgan Whittaker, Alex Gilbert doubled it in the 32nd assisted by Tommy Conway, Morgan Whittaker struck in the 35th assisted by Alex Gilbert, and Riley McGree added the fourth in the 44th assisted by Alex Bangura. Hull made changes at the break, with Mohamed Belloumi replacing Kyle Joseph and Charlie Hughes coming on for Amir Hadziahmetovic, but it was Joe Gelhardt’s penalty in the 62nd that got them on the scoresheet. Regan Slater picked up a yellow card in the 58th for Hull, and further subs followed, including Liam Millar for Enis Destan in the 65th.

Middlesbrough responded with their own adjustments, Sam Silvera replacing Tommy Conway and George Edmundson coming on for Alex Bangura in the 68th, before Sverre Nypan and Kaly Sène entered for Morgan Whittaker and David Strelec in the 79th, and Delano Burgzorg for Riley McGree in the 86th. Hull’s later changes saw Darko Gyabi replace Joe Gelhardt in the 74th and Babajide David Akintola come on for Regan Slater in the 75th, but the early damage proved decisive.

Hull City lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Joe Gelhardt leading the line and finding the net from the spot, while Regan Slater anchored midfield but earned a yellow card. Substitutes like Mohamed Belloumi and Liam Millar added width after coming on, aiming to stretch the play, and Charlie Hughes bolstered the defence from half-time.

Middlesbrough set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Morgan Whittaker and David Strelec forming a potent partnership up front, both scoring and assisting in the first half. Riley McGree and Alex Gilbert contributed goals from midfield, supported by Alex Bangura’s assist, while later subs like Sam Silvera and George Edmundson helped maintain the lead.

Morgan Whittaker earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, scoring one goal and providing one assist while creating one big chance and delivering two key passes. His involvement in the early opener and his own strike before the break were pivotal in Middlesbrough’s commanding first half, showcasing his threat throughout.

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-4 vs Middlesbrough (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Stoke City (A)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Ipswich Town (H)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)
• Win: 3-2 vs Portsmouth (H)

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 4-1 vs Hull City (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Derby County (H)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Coventry City (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Oxford United (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Birmingham City (H)

Hull City have just lost 1-4 at home to Middlesbrough, leaving them ninth on 28 points after a patchy run of two wins and three losses in their last five league games. They face Wrexham next on 10 December 2025 at 20:00, with the visitors sitting 12th on 27 points, offering Hull a chance to bounce back and close the gap on the play-off spots.

Middlesbrough have just won 4-1 away at Hull City, boosting them to second on 36 points following three wins, one draw and one loss in their last five. Their next fixture is against Charlton Athletic on 9 December 2025 at 19:45, with the opponents 17th on 23 points, giving Middlesbrough an opportunity to extend their strong form and solidify their promotion push.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.