Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 8 November 2025 20:10, UK

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has heaped praise on Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt as he continued his insane goalscoring streak.

The attacker once again found the net on Saturday as he scored a late winner for the Tigers in their 3-2 win over Portsmouth.

Gelhardt has already been in fine form for Hull this campaign, and his goal against Pompey was his fifth in six games.

As a result of the performance, the Tigers are now just four points off second place as they look to return to the Premier League, with the Leeds star quickly becoming one of the best players in the Championship.

Sergej Jakirovic: I had to beg the chairman to bring Joe Gelhardt back to Hull City

Since Gelhardt rejoined Hull City in the summer on loan, he has been on fire.

Just last weekend, Gelhardt netted in his fourth consecutive game for Hull, as they beat Norwich City 2-0.

While he was unable to score past Derby County in the week, he put in a man-of-the-match display on Saturday at The MKM Stadium.

Even before the goal, he picked up an assist for Kyle Joseph’s strike to put Hull 2-1 in front.

Then, with the scoreline at 2-2, Gelhardt stepped up to produce a composed dink over Portsmouth’s keeper Josef Bursik to win the game.

Speaking after the game, Jakirovic heaped praise on the Leeds loanee to County Times on 8 November.

He said: “When I watched him in last season’s games, I begged Mr Chairman (Acun Ilicali) to bring him back here.

“He likes playing here and he wanted to come back here. He has a completely different profile to the players we have.

“He has the quality to play in a number of positions and is able to pass, shoot and has speed, which is special.

“He’s 23 years old and maybe he can reach the Premier League. But, right now, he’s made the difference.”

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What were Joe Gelhardt’s stats vs Portsmouth?

According to Fotmob on 8 November, Gelhardt had an incredible game.

On top of the goal and the assist, the winger created the most chances in the game at three as he dominated the pitch.

Surely in January, Leeds have to consider recalling Gelhardt to solve their current goalscoring woes.

It simply does not make sense to have a player in such form away from the club when the attacker can clearly have a positive impact at Elland Road.

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