Robert Snodgrass saved Hull City’s skin with a last second free kick against Burnley on Saturday. Steven Defour scored his first goal for the Clarets with just under 20 minutes to go. But when Tom Huddlestone was fouled with no more than a minute left on the clock. Snodgrass stepped up and placed a brilliant set piece in the bottom corner of Tom Heaton’s goal.
Phelan happy with the fight
This goal continues a remarkable turnaround for the Scottish International, which his club manager, Mike Phelan recognises with great respect. After spending 16 months away with a knee injury, Phelan says: "He has persevered. He’s been terrific (since returning)."
Phelan, August’s Premier League Manager of the Month, hopes the managerial issues are dealt with by the end of this week. However, with the pressure on him, he is enjoying his chance, "We are on a good little run, so why shouldn’t we enjoy what we are doing?"
Phelan is now the favourite for the main job, and he believes the players think he is the right man to lead the Tigers forward: "I have made it pretty clear I want to be in charge of this group of players and I think the players have made it clear as well."
Step by step
But he knows he has done everything he could, losing just once in his first five games in charge in all competitions, "It all comes down to what’s going on in the background. We are just taking it day by day."
As for Burnley, Sean Dyche thought his team was unlucky in the game: "I thought we edged a tight game and we’d just done enough but we didn’t see the game out."
Hull City drop to seventh thanks to wins for Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool. Burnley are 15th. The Tigers' next game is at home to Arsenal whilst the Clarets head to the champions Leicester City. Both games are 3pm kick-offs next Saturday.