Hull City recovered from their first Premier League defeat of the season to claim a 2-2 draw against Everton, with Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy part of the newly promoted side’s effort to secure another valuable point on Sunday.
The Tigers came from behind after Everton had overturned their lead at the MKM Stadium, with Mohamed Belloumi scoring the equaliser to ensure Hull avoided a second consecutive league loss.
Hull had entered the international break following a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle, which ended their four-match unbeaten start to the campaign. Their draw against Everton offered a response as they continue their bid to remain in the top flight.
The hosts took the lead in the 43rd minute when Joe Gelhardt finished after Sorba Thomas intercepted a misplaced pass from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Gelhardt slipped the ball past advancing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to put Hull ahead.
Everton responded before the interval. Maitland-Niles delivered a cross that found Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who headed home at the far post to bring the visitors level.
The visitors then moved in front in the 68th minute after a mistake by Thomas allowed Everton to launch another attack. Dewsbury-Hall supplied the pass for Thierno Barry, who finished to give Everton a 2-1 advantage.
Hull, however, refused to let the game slip away. With 16 minutes remaining, Belloumi restored parity by firing past Pickford after Elliot Stroud supplied the cut-back.
The goal secured a share of the points for Hull and ensured they bounced back from the defeat against Newcastle with a result against another Premier League opponent.
For Mendy and his team-mates, the draw represents another step in their efforts to establish themselves in the division after promotion. Their immediate objective is to preserve their top-flight status, and points against established Premier League sides could prove important over the course of the season.
Hull’s performance also maintained their impressive record at the MKM Stadium. The club have so far made home matches difficult for visiting opponents, with Manchester United losing there and Aston Villa being held to a draw.
The latest result adds Everton to the list of teams unable to leave the stadium with a victory this season.
