The Tigers had taken 19 points from a possible 21 in the Portuguese boss' seven previous matches at the KCOM Stadium and had identified this game as one which they must win. The home side worked hard, as you would expect, but lacked confidence and ingenuity in the final third. And when they did manage to find the target, they were denied by the excellent Pickford. On-loan Liverpool midfielder Markovic saw a thumping header tipped over by the England Under-21 international, who then stopped Hernandez's sweeping shot from Andrew Robertson's left-wing cross at his near post. The nervy home crowd provided an atmosphere more of hope rather than expectation from almost the first whistle, and that pretty much turned to resignation after Jones put Sunderland ahead. "The dressing room is down, we're not happy," said left-back Robertson. "It is not good enough to lose 2-0 at home to a team that has just been relegated."
Sunderland might have already been consigned to Championship football next season by last week's defeat against Bournemouth, but the Black Cats knew they could still have a major influence on who would join them. David Moyes' men might have hampered Hull's hopes on Saturday, but they can also help the Tigers next weekend when they host Swansea at the Stadium of Light. If the Black Cats show the same level of fight and determination then Hull's cause might not yet be lost. It is an attribute that has been missing for most of a woeful season, but they finally gave their 2,000 travelling fans something to cheer with a first win since 4 February. Moyes says he will remain in charge next season when the Wearside club bid to bounce straight back up and, although there is likely to be a big turnover in playing staff, the Scot will have been encouraged by the energetic performance of young midfielder George Honeyman as he plots the rebuilding process.
"After being relegated, players have to stand up and show some pride for the club, and today they have done that," said Moyes. "We had a really good team performance. If we had shown the character and level of performance today throughout the season we'd have many more points." One man who may not be at Sunderland next season - and not because Moyes does not want him - is Pickford. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has been the shining light in a gloomy season, producing a number of impressive performances which led to a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly he reportedly interests a host of top-flight clubs who could tempt the Black Cats into selling with a big-money summer bid. Moyes remains confident Pickford will not leave - warning potential suitors that would have "to pay the price".
Against Hull, Pickford showed again why he is rated as one of the country's top goalkeepers. His performance meant Hull, following a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, became the first Premier League team this season not to score against the Wearsiders.
"I remember a young Joe Hart when he started - at Everton we were really keen to sign him from Shrewsbury. That's a young Jordan Pickford, he makes saves and comes for crosses and has saved us points throughout the season," said Moyes. "Honestly, I expect this level of performance from him on a regular basis - that's how highly I think of him."
