Hull City dig deep to deny Aston Villa and remain unbeaten

Hull City dig deep to deny Aston Villa and remain unbeaten

Aston Villa's difficult start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday as Unai Emery's side were held to a 0-0 draw by newly promoted Hull City.

The result leaves Villa 17th in the table and still searching for their first victory after three matches, having already suffered defeats against Brighton and Arsenal.

The Tigers, by contrast, maintained their unbeaten record and moved to second place with seven points from their opening three games.

Villa had the better of the opportunities but were unable to find a breakthrough. Nicolas Jackson headed Ian Maatsen's delivery narrowly wide inside two minutes, before Ross Barkley fired just off target from inside the area in the 25th minute.

Jackson was at the centre of a penalty appeal shortly before the interval after making contact with Hull defender Nobel Mendy while attempting to meet George Hemmings' cross. Referee Michael Oliver waved away Villa's claims, with VAR backing the decision.

John McGinn then squandered a promising chance early in the second half after Jackson picked him out unmarked in front of goal.

Hull nearly snatched the victory in the 65th minute when Mohamed Belloumi's curling effort beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki but struck the crossbar.

Villa pressed for a late winner, yet it was Hull who came closest again. Mohamed-Ali Cho threatened to settle the contest, only for Suzuki to produce an important save in the 89th minute and preserve a point for the hosts.

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