The on-loan star has been one of City’s most important performers this term and has struck three times in the Tigers last three games
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
17:00, 31 Oct 2025
Joe Gelhardt has been in great form for City this season picking up where he left off last term(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
It’s been a terrific start to the season for Hull City and Joe Gelhardt in particular, with the forward back at a club where he’s found a home.
Gelhardt’s clinical finish against Charlton Athletic on Saturday was his third in as many games, and looked to be enough to seal a fourth straight win for the Tigers and move them into the play-offs outright after 12 matches.
That was until the away side snatched a 91st-minute equaliser, which, in truth, Gelhardt could have helped prevent had he not allowed Luke Berry to turn into the net from close range unchallenged.
While Gelhardt was clearly frustrated with that, it shouldn’t take away from what has been a tremendous start to the season on a personal note for the 23-year-old, who rejoined the club in the summer from Leeds United after forcing through the move from Elland Road.
Gelhardt now has five goals to his name in the Championship, with his sole league assist coming in the 2-1 win over Leicester City last Tuesday evening, matching his tally in the second half of last term.
His crucial goals in the second half of last season were pivotal in keeping City in the Championship, and now, his impressive tally has helped the Tigers get off to a very good start.
Gelhardt is an important part of the Tigers’ dressing room, but his importance has become even more crucial given the ongoing absence of Oli McBurnie.
City’s well-documented injury troubles are naturally generating plenty of headlines, but the rest of the players have been playing their part in keeping their unbeaten run going, and Gelhardt’s form is key to that.
While he’s not had it all his own way, having been dropped after the defeat at Watford, Gelhardt has become an influential figure in Jakirovic’s side, especially with his flexibility.
He can play wide, he can play through the middle if needed and also in the number 10 role behind the main striker, be that McBurnie, Kyle Joseph, Enis Destan or even Matt Crooks.
In the opening 12 games, Gelhardt is averaging a seven out of 10 according to WhoScored, which shows the consistency with which he’s playing and the threat he poses.
It’s absolutely vital that the Tigers share the goals around and don’t rely on McBurnie, and so far, that’s been the case. Gelhardt’s five so far is impressive, and given the start he’s had, 15 should be the bare minimum he hits in the 34 remaining games.
While it’s hoped McBurnie will be back before the international break, City have two big games before that at Norwich City and Derby County, and they need players like Gelhardt to continue delivering in the top third of the pitch and ensure this good start isn’t wasted.
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