Sunderland dent Hull’s survival hopes with 2-0 win

While clear that he retained a base of support in the boardroom, Moyes hinted he wanted to hear more about the club’s ambitions for next season when the men reconvene at the end of the campaign.

It looks as though the Tigers could be heading down to the Championship with them as the pressure seemingly told, with Swansea City now hopeful that they can beat Everton in the late kick-off to swap places with Hull and get out of the bottom three.

The second half was a much livelier affair, as Pickford denied Lazar Markovic with a fine save and Alfred N’Diaye made a hash of trying to convert Alfred N’Diaye’s cross. It could have had a huge bearing on the result.

Pundit Phil Thompson said Hull had plenty of efforts on goal, only to be denied by a sterling display from Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford who he said was responsible for some “incredible” saves.

On Defoe, he commented: “Jermain has a clause in his contract so it is possible [that he will leave in the summer], but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is under contract”.

Fabio Borini fired a shot over the bar for Sunderland inside 60 seconds and George Honeyman headed a good chance wide as the visitors made a bright start.

In terms of goals scored, Swansea have netted 40 times and are four goals better off than Hull.

Pickford was only able to get a finger on Kamil Grosicki’s chipped cross but it was enough to ensure the ball did not fall kindly for N’Diaye at the back post and his untidy finish went wide. The Black Cats were officially relegated last week following a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth.

A well-worked corner taken by Honeyman was flicked on at the near post by O’Shea, with Jones stooping low to head home after losing marker Tom Huddlestone who entered the fray just moments before.

Defoe blasted another chance wide and Markovic’s header was repelled by a flying Pickford before John O’Shea’s courageous block denied Hernandez as a breakneck contest rattled on. Hull are looking at what should be a straightforward victory against a deflated Sunderland side. Defoe bundles it home from an offside position from Larsson’s free kick.

Hull have the ideal opportunity to do so as Marco Silva looks to defend his incredible home record with a win over the already-doomed Black Cats. The other two occasions were both against Newcastle (in 2013-14 and 2014-15).