Nigeria international Semi Ajayi turned in a composed performance at the back as Hull City earned a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in Saturday's Premier League fixture.

Making his third appearance for Hull since joining the club, Ajayi was a commanding presence in defence and kept Villa from manufacturing any genuine chances throughout the match.

Yellow card mars a strong display

The Super Eagles defender was cautioned in the 39th minute after a robust challenge on a Villa player — the only real blemish on what was otherwise a disciplined outing.

Remarkably, the point maintained Hull's record of not conceding a single goal since winning promotion back to the top flight, a statistic that continues to underline the solidity of Jakirovic's backline.

Belloumi's curler rattles the woodwork

The moment that came closest to deciding the contest arrived in the 65th minute. Mohamed Belloumi, after playing a corner short and collecting a swift return pass, unleashed a left-footed curler that struck the crossbar — a breathtaking attempt that would have lit up any stadium.

Hull grew into the game as the second half progressed and finished the stronger side, yet that woodwork denied them what would have been a stunning winner.

Hull's remarkable start continues

Having been tipped by many as prime candidates for an immediate return to the Championship, Hull are confounding their critics at every turn. After three weekends of the new Premier League season, they sit second in the table on seven points — a position that would have seemed far-fetched before a ball had been kicked.

Aston Villa, by contrast, find themselves in 17th place with just one point, making this draw a damaging result for the Midlands club.

Head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who extended his contract just 24 hours before kick-off on Friday, will take great satisfaction from his side's performance. For Villa, however, the reckoning has already begun.