Kyle Joseph admitted Hull City’s explosive opening at Millwall felt like the closing moments of a final, as chaos erupted early in a stormy afternoon at The Den.
The Tigers striker took his season tally to six with a devastating brace inside the first 13 minutes, finishing pinpoint crosses from Mo Belloumi and Liam Millar to silence the South London crowd. It marked Joseph’s second and third goals in as many games and laid the foundation for a statement victory.
Millwall had flown out of the blocks, however, forcing goalkeeper Ivor Pandur into two outstanding saves to keep the scores level before Hull struck decisively. From there, Alex Neil’s side seized control, weathering the hostile atmosphere and asserting their authority.
City were briefly dragged back into danger late on when Oli McBurnie, once again emerging from the bench, restored the two-goal cushion moments after Femi Azeez was sent off for lashing out at Joseph. McBurnie’s strike sealed a 3–1 win that underlined Hull’s growing belief.
“It was a mad, crazy start,” Joseph told Hull Live. “It honestly felt like the last minute of a game. They threw everything at us early on. But after five minutes we settled, grew into it, scored again and then dominated.”
Joseph highlighted Hull’s resilience in one of the Championship’s toughest away environments.
“You know coming to Millwall what it’s going to be like. It’s a battle. You have to fight, win your duels and deal with the ugly side of the game. I think we did that really well and fully deserved the win.”
The flashpoint arrived with 14 minutes remaining when Joseph sprinted back to win possession, becoming entangled with Azeez before the Millwall winger lashed out. Referee Gavin Ward immediately showed a red card, while Neil was booked for his protests.
Joseph had no doubts about the decision.
“He stamped me where no one wants to be stamped,” he said. “I’m not one to stay down, but it was painful. I think the referee got it spot on.”
Despite Millwall briefly rallying with a goal, Hull’s response was immediate and emphatic.
“The reaction when they scored was massive from us,” Joseph explained. “You could see everyone lifting each other. That togetherness helped us go and kill the game with the third goal.”
That decisive moment reignited celebrations among the 1,400 travelling Hull supporters, who stayed long after the final whistle to salute players and staff.
“It’s a long journey for them, and we appreciate it so much,” Joseph added. “These are the moments you remember — the memories with the fans, the togetherness. It’s a special time for all of us.”
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