Matthew Pennington was one of the only Hull City players to come away with any credit after their 1-0 defeat to Barnsley on Wednesday. The 25-year-old started alongside Jordy de Wijs at centre-back and delivered an impressive performance to all but keep Barnsley at bay.
Pennington was dominant in the air, made multiple goalline clearances, turned over possession twice, blocked more shots than any other player on the pitch and created a chance at the other end. Despite the result, the centre-back’s performance was positive and drew praise on social media.
Pennington motm, no ifs not buts #hcafc
— Jord (@jordhookk) February 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/HullCityLive/status/1232777683261698050?s=20
Martin Samuelsen looked very bright when coming on for city, Mallik Wilks will be back from Saturday. Matty Pennington and Sean McLoughlin both strong at centre back, Kevin Stewart almost back to his best. Back the boys during these hard times! Big fight ahead!💪🏼. #HCAFC pic.twitter.com/TPoQYTF8eC
— Hull City News🇹🇷 (@HullCityStats) February 27, 2020
@HumbersideSport went last night that has to be one of the worst performances I've seen from city in years only Pennington,samuelsen and McLoughlin who deserved any praise #Hcafc
— leewalker©️🐯🖤🧡 💙 (@wakka80) February 27, 2020
My ratings for today’s #hcafc game.
Long 6
McKenzie 8
Pennington 9
De Wijs 7
Elder 7
Lopes 7
Stewart 7
Irvine 7
Maddison 6
Toral 7
Magennis 6
McLoughlin 8
Honeyman 8
Samuelsen 9These are out of 1000.
— Richard Gardham (@RichardGardham) February 26, 2020
Against Barnsley, Everton’s on-loan defender played for 90 minutes, had 54 touches, won seven aerial duels, created one chance, completed 67.4% of his 43 passes, found a teammate with three of his nine long balls, made two interceptions, blocked three shots, made three clearances and made two goalline clearances.
Pennington has made seven appearances in all competitions this season. He initially struggled for playing time at Hull but has since featured in six of their last 11 and has started in each of their previous three.