James Milner struck in the second minute of added time to rescue Manchester City a 1-1 draw against Hull City this afternoon.

The Citizens were heading for their third successive defeat at the Etihad Stadium until the England international found a way past a determined visiting side with a free kick right at the death.

Hull had earlier taken a shock first-half lead through David Meyler, who was able to capitalise on some slack defending from the hosts to put Steve Bruce's charges on course for a memorable win.

It was not to be in the end, though, with the champions showing the spirit needed to earn a late point.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at who impressed during the 90 minutes of action.

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MANCHESTER CITY

Goal

Joe Hart: Only he knows what he was doing for Hull's goal, seemingly caught in no man's land and then unable to set himself as Meyler ghosted in. Willy Caballero continues to watch on from the bench, but surely he is close to receiving another call up? (5/10)

Defence

Pablo Zabaleta: Brought back into the side this afternoon having been left out against Chelsea last weekend, the Argentinian full-back once more failed to show anything close to what we have become used to seeing from him over the past few seasons. (5/10)

Martin Demichellis: Another who was caught at sixes and sevens for the opening goal, struggling to show any sort of composure to clear the danger and slashing at a clearance to concede a corner just moments before that. There is a theme developing here. (5/10)

Vincent Kompany: Whisper it quietly, but the Man City skipper may be at great risk of being dropped for Wednesday's trip to Stoke City. Another underwhelming performance, best summed up by his rash attempted clearance prior to Meyler's strike. Also came within inches of putting into his own net in the first half, with the linesman's flag saving his blushes. (5/10)

Gael Clichy: A rare shining late in the City backline, although that is hardly a ringing endorsement. It took until 20 minutes from time before City created a chance from a cross from the left when Aguero latched onto Clichy's pass. (6/10)

Midfield

Samir Nasri: Making his first start in a month following an injury layoff, it was the Frenchman who had two of his side's better chances. The first came when he latched onto the ball inside the area but failed to get a shot away, instead taking an unneeded touch and he later tested McGregor with a rather straightforward free kick. (6/10)

Fernando: The long wait for a victory without Yaya Toure continues. Surely it cannot be a coincidence that City have now gone six games this season without picking up maximum points when the Africa Cup of Nations star has been away from the side? The reason for that is Fernando and his teammate Fernandinho do the job of one person when they are fielded together. Withdrawn at half time. (4/10)

Fernandinho: In the starting lineup to provide a shield for the back four, but the champions are conceding far too many sloppy goals. In fairness, a large chunk of those are coming from set pieces of late, but Fernandinho certainly needs to up his game. (6/10)

David Silva: The Spaniard struggled to make an impact all afternoon, with his penalty appeal in the second half the closest that he came to helping change the scoreline. A magician with the ball at his feet he may be, but this one well and truly passed him by. (5/10)

Attack

Sergio Aguero: Still not fit and firing since returning from injury last month, yet he still almost added another gem to his goalscoring collection. Having miscontrolled a few passes earlier on in the game when seemingly through on goal, Aguero took down one hopeful long ball in superb fashion and fired away with his next touch, with only the frame of the goal denying him. (6/10)

Edin Dzeko: It would be harsh to completely discredit the Bosnian's play this afternoon, because it was he who forced McGregor into making the only two saves for the first hour or so. That said, he struggled to truly link up with Aguero and was later hauled off as Pellegrini looked to change things around slightly. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jesus Navas: Provided some much-needed width in the second half and, although he tried to ghost in around the back on a couple of occasions, it just did not work for him on a disappointing day for the champions. (6/10)

Stevan Jovetic: Having been left out of City's Champions League squad earlier this week, Jovetic was expected to come off the bench and send a message out to his manager. That could not be further from the truth as chances proved to be few and far between. (5/10)

James Milner: Proving to be one of his side's most valuable players this season, with his superb strike in added time the difference between no points and one. He was involved right from the moment that he was brought on, and his goal may just well prove valuable in a few months' time. (7/10)

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HULL CITY

Goal

Allan McGregor: Had just the one save to make in the first half from Dzeko's hopeful header, although he was needed far more in the second period. Kept out Dzeko once more with a great save to his left, remaining strong for the duration other than for the late free kick which he will no doubt be disappointed not to have kept out. (7/10)

Defence

Alex Bruce: One of four changes for this one, Bruce more than did enough to justify his father's decision to bring him back into the fold. His challenge on Nasri at the end of the first half helped to keep his side in front heading into the break and he remained solid throughout. (8/10)

Paul McShane: Very nearly put into his own net on the hour with a horror deflection which McGregor kept out, but he did his job well on the whole to keep out Dzeko, Agero, Nasri and Silva among others. (7/10)

Michael Dawson: One strong challenge in particular in the first half stands out when the former Tottenham Hotspur man got across well to help out his side following a rare lapse in concentration. A solid afternoon. (8/10)

Midfield

Ahmed Elmohamady: His all-round game was good, yet he really should have buried his chance at the back post to put Hull ahead with 16 minutes played. Had a lot to aim at, but was unable to direct his effort on goal due to the pressure from Clichy, only finding the bar with his effort. (7/10)

Jake Livermore: Worked brilliantly in tandem with Huddlestone to shut out the opposition in and around the area. It was his shot from nothing which created the opening for Meyler's goal. (7/10)

Tom Huddlestone: Has not quite been at his best this season, although he showed signs this afternoon that he may be returning to form which is a huge plus for the Tigers. It was his foul which led to Milner's converted set piece, yet it was a harsh decision. (8/10)

David Meyler: Provided a moment for the visiting fans to savour when he found the net 10 minutes before the interval, reading play well to latch onto a loose ball. Harried opposition players to restrict chances from midfield, and can be more than happy with his performance on this big stage. (8/10)

Robbie Brady: Strong contender for Man of the Match due to his workrate both in defence and attack. The Irishman produced two well-timed tackles, four interceptions in dangerous areas and provided one key pass to help his side on their way to a well-earned point. (8/10)

Attack

Sone Aluko: Played his role as the out-and-out striker to a tee, looking to stretch Man City over the pitch when his side broke forward. Was not rewarded for his efforts, though, leaving the field with 20 minutes to play as Bruce opted to change things up. (7/10)

Gaston Ramirez: Hard to remember the forward doing a great deal in an attacking sense, but he was always back to help out in what was in large a great team effort, with Hull remaining compact and disciplined for the 90 minutes. (6/10)

Substitutes

Dame N'Doye: Was brought on for his Tigers debut, but was denied a dream start to life on Humberside thanks to Milner's strike. (5/10)

Andrew Robertson: Provided fresh legs and a change of approach when he replaced Aluko. Did his best to keep his side in front, but it just was not to be in the end. (6/10)

Stephen Quinn: Brought on at the death to keep things ticking over. Barely had enough time to get a feel of the ball, never mind make any sort of impact. (5/10)