Hull City boss Mike Phelan has stated that his players are ready to fight for their Premier League status, despite conceding a late equaliser to Everton on Friday evening.
The hosts looked set to earn only their fourth league win of the seasonwhen Robert Snodgrass' sublime free-kick had given them a 2-1 lead against the Toffees. However, the Tigers were unable to hold onto their one-goal advantage as Ross Barkley was inexplicably allowed to bring the visitors level with a free header in the 84th minute.
Whilst the draw means that Phelan's side climb off the foot of the table, many feel that it was a missed opportunity for them to gain a much needed three points.
But speaking after the 2-2 draw at the KCOM, the Tigers' manager was quick to focus on the many positives from the match and insisted his team are readyfor the relegation battle that surely awaits in 2017.
Michael Dawson puts Hull City 1-0 up at the KCOM Stadium.
Electric start from Mike Phelan's side. pic.twitter.com/lrPcJNYsM1
The 54-year-old told Sky Sports (as quoted by theIndependent):"It was a battling performance. I'm pleased with the players, they've come through another tough, difficult game and they've shown terrific spirit.
"Credit to all the players at this football club - they're all putting a real shift in. They're training hard, they're listening and they're learning.
"They've got everything to look forward to, which is to progress up this league, and we've got a real battle on our hands in the second half of the season, but I think we're up for it."
Having claimed their first point in four league matches, Hull will be hoping that Bournemouth can defeat relegation rivals Swansea on Saturday, as it would keep the Tigers in 19th place and off of the dreaded bottom of the table as the New Year closes in.