Hull 2 – 4 MAN CITY – PLAYER RATINGS

Caballero - Couldn’t have done anything for either of the goals. Authoritative in his box, his handling of crosses was excellent and although he’ll now probably drop to the bench again for Tuesday’s match with Roma, it is clear Pellegrini trusts him more than Pantilimon - 6

Zabaleta - Afforded a rest in midweek due to suspension, he was a livewire all afternoon. That he burst forward into the opposition area in the closing stages to supply Lampard’s goal when most others would have been happy to sit back and protect a narrow lead says everything about his desire and commitment - 7

Kompany - As his central defensive partner struggled, he remained as unflappable as ever. He was sharp to nip in and pinch the ball when it was played into the feet of Jelavic and Hernandez, and withstood the home side’s most threatening spell towards the end of the first half - 7

Mangala - Rattled by conceding an own goal, he found life extremely difficult for the rest of the game. Awkward in possession, he couldn’t brush his first mistake out of his mind and while it may be a smidge harsh to suggest he was a walking liability, it would have been no surprise if Martin Demichelis had been introduced at half time – 4.5

Clichy - He has escaped criticism for Hull’s first goal due to Mangala’s struggles, but he committed himself out wide and was beaten far too easily. The home side’s main threat came down his side, but with Silva drifting infield he was often outnumbered two to one and found matters tough to keep under control - 5

Fernandinho - Another to have his problems. Very lightweight in the middle and brushed off the ball far too easily on a number of occasions - 5

Y. Touré - Slow in the first half, but then just as we needed that extra quality in our play, he started to pull the strings from deep in midfield. One thumping effort crashed against the post and he was an important figure as we pushed for the third goal to kill the game - 7

Milner - His superb run of form continues. Energetic as ever, it was the intelligence of his movement that caught the eye of Saturday, constantly giving our more creative players options. With a touch more composure, he would have found the back of the net - 7.5

Silva - Off the pace in the first half when there were fears that he had been rushed back a little early, but then showcased his undoubted ability after the break. Showed more willingness to drive at Hull’s backline and created the third goal for Dzeko. If there were to be one moan, it would be that for someone of his quality, he is far too reluctant to shoot when in inviting positions - 7

Aguero - Scintillating in the first half hour, he was as lively as he has been for a while and looked like he would score every time he grabbed the ball. Tired after that, however, and it was no surprise to see him replaced as soon as we retook the lead - 7

Džeko - His first goal was a powerful, dipping effort that beat the goalkeeper for speed and while it is fair to say he scuffed his second into the ground and saw it bobble home, it was yet again a key goal from the Bosnian - 7

Subs

Navas - Stretched play and dragged Hull’s defence out wide, leaving more space for the likes of Lampard in the middle - 6

Lampard - His pace may not be there, but the instinct to glide into the box at the right moment certainly is - 7

Demichelis - Shielded the defence late on - No time to mark

Follow @viewfromablue