The result extended Hull City’s winless Premier League run to six matches, although head coach Sergej Jakirović was encouraged by the response after the previous weekend’s defeat at Fulham.
Hull began aggressively, competing well for possession and second balls while limiting Brentford’s attacking threat. Their pressure brought a reward midway through the first half when Tim Iroegbunam dispossessed Aaron Hickey and was fouled by the Brentford defender.
The visitors’ goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher had played a poor pass towards Hickey, leaving his team exposed. McBurnie converted the resulting penalty to give Hull the lead and mark his first goal of the season.
The striker was making his 50th appearance for the Tigers, and Jakirović was pleased to see him open his account after a difficult start to the campaign.
“It’s great for us to see Oli score,” the Hull manager said. “However, Oli certainly doesn’t suffer any confidence problems. I’d said to him that a goal will come, but more so it is about performing all over the pitch - to win the ball and play it as we see him do so much.”
Speaking to Sky Sports, Brentford head coach Keith Andrews admitted that his side had not performed to the required standard before the interval.
“I don’t think we did that as well as we could have,” he said, reflecting on the need to win individual battles and display greater quality and conviction in possession.
Andrews was more satisfied with the response after the break, when Brentford increased their pressure and began spending more time in the attacking half.
The improvement produced an equaliser in the 63rd minute. Igor Thiago kept the ball alive inside the penalty area before setting up Ouattara, who finished from close range to bring the visitors level.
Brentford subsequently threatened to complete the comeback, with substitutes Mikkel Damsgaard and Aaron Anthony helping to inject fresh energy into their attack.
Both teams had opportunities to claim the winner. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis denied Anthony, while the hosts came close through Mohamed-Ali Cho and Joe Gelhardt late in the contest.
Jakirović felt the result was a fair reflection of the afternoon, despite Hull’s inability to protect their advantage.
“We tried to change that with our substitutions and had some more chances to win the game but I think maybe in the end a draw was a fair result,” he said.
The Hull manager also praised Tim Iroegbunam, who made his first start for the club, and Regan Slater’s midfield contribution.
For Hull, the challenge is now to convert encouraging performances into victories. Brentford, meanwhile, will hope their stronger second-half display provides a platform for greater consistency.