Manchester City got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Hull City at the Etihad Stadium.
It took the hosts until the 64th minute to break the deadlock when Alvaro Negredo rose highest to head in Pablo Zabaleta's cross.
The points were then secured in the final few minutes as Yaya Toure powered in a free kick from the edge of the penalty area.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Man City:
Shots 12
On target 6
Possession 56%
Corners 7
Fouls 15
Hull City:
Shots 7
On target 2
Possession 44%
Corners 4
Fouls 14
Was the result fair?
Many would have expected Manchester City to have dished out a sound beating to Hull City on Saturday, but the visitors made life very difficult and were ultimately worthy of a point. They refused to sit back as most teams will do at the Etihad Stadium this season and instead opted to attack and take the game to the Blues. However, the hosts' extra bit of quality in front of goal was the difference between what Hull deserved and what they actually got.
Man City's performance
Manuel Pellegrini's side were poor during the opening 45 minutes, showing a lack of ideas in front of goal while getting exploited at the back by Hull. There was an improvement after the break, but City are still clearly a team still unsure of their identity.
Hull City's performance
Steve Bruce can take a lot of pride and satisfaction from the way that his players acquitted themselves against their hosts as they put in a display that was committed, organised and full of dynamism. Defensively they dealt with whatever was thrown at them, while there was plenty of menace in attack through Sone Aluko. Had they taken one of the early chances that they created, then the outcome might have been different.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Tom Huddlestone: The summer signing from Tottenham Hotspur was a vital presence in midfield for Hull, getting stuck in to break down any City attacks before distributing the ball to send his teammates away at the other end. A few more performances like that and the 26-year-old will be knocking on the door of the England squad.
Biggest gaffe
With only a few minutes gone, Sone Aluko was put clear through on goal with the chance to give Hull the lead. However, the forward somehow dragged his shot wide with just Joe Hart to beat. The visitors did not dwell on the missed opportunity, but it would have been a completely different game had it gone in.
Referee performance
A lean-looking Phil Dowd was forced to make a few bookings throughout the match, but overall he kept on top of any potential flashpoints.
What next?
Man City: The Blues continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with a trip to Stoke City.
Hull City: The Tigers are back in league action next Saturday when they welcome Cardiff City to the KC Stadium.
Jack Prescott
