Unseen hero lifts Hull with set-piece header and commanding back-line display | OneFootball

Charlie Hughes headed in from a corner in the 34th minute, setting Hull City up for a 2-1 win at Southampton.

He rose to glance in Amir Hadziahmetovic's delivery, attacking the near-post space to double the advantage and tilt the game towards Hull (34.).

After the restart, he became the organiser at the back, clearing danger repeatedly as Saints threw bodies forward. His positioning and timing under pressure kept cut-backs and second balls from turning into clear chances.

He finished with 12 clearances, five possessions won and four aerial duels won, plus one shot on target that produced the goal. Those numbers underlined a defender who decided both boxes: decisive at a set piece, then relentless in his own area against sustained pressure.

Because Hull protected their lead in a compact shape while Southampton dominated the ball and attempts, Hughes' reading of crosses and loose balls ensured the key phases stayed under control.

Hull rise from seventh to fifth in the Championship and visit Preston next. The Saints host Sheffield United next.

How high would you rate Hughes' performance tonight?