Manchester City returned to winning ways on Saturday thanks to a 2-0 victory at Hull City in the Premier League.
The visitors went down to 10 men in the opening nine minutes following Vincent Kompany's foul on Nikica Jelavic, but that did not stop them taking the lead soon after when David Silva scored with a superb strike from long range.
City then made sure of the points in the final minute as Silva set up Edin Dzeko to slot home.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the sides at the KC Stadium.
Match statistics
Hull
Shots: 15
On target: 5
Possession: 54%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9
Man City
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 46%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
Despite Manchester City's excellent display with 10 men, Hull will feel disappointed that they did not get something from the game. The hosts created numerous opportunities in the second half but a lack of finishing saw them come away with nothing to show from their efforts.
Hull's performance
The Tigers were sluggish in the first half and really should have done more to make their numerical advantage count. Instead, Steven Bruce's players were stunned after going behind and struggled to force their way back into the match. Things changed a lot in the second half thanks to the introduction of Sone Aluko but some poor finishing in the final third ultimately cost them. Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic were lively enough and caused the City defence plenty of problems, though you would have expected them to convert at least one of their opportunities.
Man City's performance
You would have expected the Blues to have been in serious trouble following Kompany's red card but they played as if they had 11 men, controlling the first half with the kind of creative, free-flowing football that has been their trademark this season. They were forced to defend more during the second period, though this was no problem despite having lost their leader. This result could be huge in the context of the title race, and Manuel Pellegrini's side is sure to take a lot of confidence from it.
Sports Mole's man of the match
David Silva: The Spaniard was instrumental to City's win, scoring their first goal in spectacular style before setting up Dzeko late on. Not only that but the playmaker was involved in almost everything positive that the visitors did. A superb performance.
Biggest gaffe
Fernandinho had a great chance to make it 2-0 with about 10 minutes left to play, only to scuff his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. Luckily for him the miss did not prove costly.
Referee performance
Lee Mason had a huge decision to make early on when he sent off Kompany, though it was the correct one from the official. He also did the right thing late on by denying Hull a penalty following a dive from George Boyd. Overall, the man in the middle had a decent day at the office.
What next?
Hull: The Tigers return to Premier League action next Saturday when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to the KC Stadium.
Man City: City's Premier League campaign continues next Saturday at home to Fulham.
Jack Prescott
