Silva 14, Džeko 90'
Ten-man City tame the Tigers.
It's been a bad week for Manchester City, and the sight of their skipper stomping off the field of play after just ten minutes threatened to make things even worse. But in a week where exits from the FA Cup and the Champions League have combined into a curdling mash for Manuel Pellegrini's hopes of filling the trophy cabinet, a sprinkling of Silva sorcery kept the blues' title hopes very much alive.
An early red card shown to Vincent Kompany helped to apply a little more salt to the wounds of a bruised City side, and as both sets of fans awaited the next act in Martin Demichelis's Premier League comedy roadshow, it was actually Mr.Reliable who put his side on the backfoot from the off. Laudable performances from under-fire stars Gaël Clichy, Javi García and Demichelis himself characterised a courageous performance from the visitors, but it was one man's wizardry that truly highlighted City's title credentials.
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(Joe Hart lauds a fine display from the unlikely defensive partnership)
A week of woe for Manchester City necessitated a renascent performance from the blues on a ground they had not won on since 1909, and bad luck married malevolently with that statistic when Vincent Kompany was shown a red card after just ten minutes of play. A hesitant turn by the captain was chased down by Nikica Jelavić who appeared to foul Kompany on his way to winning the ball, but in retaliation to the referee's ignorance, the Belgian illegally threw the Croat to the floor, denying the striker of a clear goalscoring opportunity. With a satisfied smirk on his face, Mason produced the red and commenced what promised to be a strenuous afternoon for the visitors.
(Vincent Kompany clearly tugs at Jelavić's shirt and is shown a straight red card)
The monotonous moaning and groaning of City fans resounded through the medium of Twitter as Martin Demichelis's name was announced on the team sheet an hour before kick-off, but in his captain's absence the Argentine combined rigidly with Javi García to provide one of the blues' most impressive defensive displays of the season. Although Kompany's strength, pace and leadership exceeds that of any other Premier League defender, his fierce appetite to impress can sometimes come at a cost, and a record of 5 red cards in 6 years has smudged his impeccable City career somewhat.
But with every cloud comes a Silva lining, and Manchester City's spellbinding Spaniard waved his wand just four minutes later to give his side a precious lead. The sending off came as a blessing in disguise for the blues who adopted a mettlesome approach following Kompany's dismissal. Ticking to the metronome of their Mancunian Merlin, City's midfield tika taka'd their way through a black and orange jungle of legs who watched in awe as David Silva's 20-yard strike curled into the top corner of McGregor's net. The £24m man, signed from Valencia in 2010, had scored just 18 goals in 120 appearances before Saturday's game and is often criticised for his timidity in front of goal, but his critiques were temporarily silenced as the Spaniard claimed his 5th Premier League goal of the season.
(David Silva unleashes a beautiful strike to put 10-man City 1-0 up)
With Martin Demichelis and Javi García martialling the defence in superb fashion, Steve Bruce's tigers were unable to bite back at their depleted visitors. The former Manchester United defender had deservedly been nominated as one of four potential Manager of the Month winners for February, and the attacking intent that had earned him the nomination was beginning to sap City's endurance. But in the absence of Kompany, Manuel Pellegrini's trusty 33-year-old stepped up with an abundance of experience to prove to the imperious British media that he actually can defend, and that alongside him, Javi García doesn't make a bad centre-half either!
However, perhaps even more desperate for a trouble-free afternoon was Gaël Clichy. The Frenchman has made just 15 league appearances under Manuel Pellegrini this season and has fallen behind Aleksandar Kolarov in the pecking order since the Chilean arrived last summer. Neverthless, the speed and solidity that once distinguished the full-back reappeared at the weekend and presented City's South-American sergeant with a real selection issue for his side's game against Fulham next week.
(Gaël Clichy was back to his brilliant best against the Tigers on Saturday)
The Tigers continued to press, but the organisation of City's back line coaxed the linesman into raising his flag no fewer than six times. The attacking intent of Manchester City's full-backs have helped the blues reach a staggering goal tally so far this season, and Pablo Zabaleta exhibited the extent of his goalscoring appetite with a fierce effort against the bar.
The introduction of George Boyd injected a potent dose of fury into the occasion when the winger entertained the crowd with a pathetic dive on the 68 minute mark. Inflamed, Joe Hart issued the Tom Daley impersonator with an incredibly detailed view of his tonsils; Boyd, less than impressed, returned the favour, only this time with a considerable sample of his saliva. An issue for the FA to look at perhaps, especially considering Hart was the only recipient of a yellow card.
City's defensive wall remained inpenetrable, and with just seconds left to play, David Silva enchanted his audience with a final trick of the day, playing a sumptuous through ball into the path of Edin Džeko who finished comfortably.
(Edin Džeko confirms the three points)
Manchester City waved goodbye to their hopes of glory in the FA Cup and Champions League in their last two games, and with the focus firmly planted on the Premier League, Manuel Pellegrini's minions exhibited an imposing desire to clinch their second trophy of the season. In a game where leadership was removed from the field of play after just ten minutes, the City scapegoats stepped up and proved to their manager and fans that they deserve and want to wear the sky blue shirt. It was passion at its finest, and a performance that danced to the tune of David Silva's genius.
Joe Hart 7 - Had little to do thanks to the solidity of his defence, but did get involved with the action when George Boyd decided to impersonate Ashley Young in the Englishman's box. His reaction may have been a little dramatic, but when dripping in the spit of Hull's little git, you can understand the rage.
Pablo Zabaleta 7 - One rarely has to change their weekly summary of the Argentine, and it was the same again this weekend. Defensively solid, and potent in City's attack. Had a scorching effort denied by the crossbar.
Vincent Kompany 4 - Horrific piece of defending could have seen his side endure another disappointing afternoon, but his teammates rallied around his absence and put in a defensive performance even he would be proud of. 
Martin Demichelis 8 - Assumed Kompany's role after the Belgian was sent off and his excellent leadership skills were highlighted in Kompany's absence. Assembled a flawless offside trap and hardly put a foot wrong all game. 
Gaël Clichy 8 - Made up for a disenchanting performance against Wigan with a return to his old ways. Pacy up and down the line and absolutely impenetrable at the back - a crucial display from the Frenchman.
Javi García 8 - Slotted into the defence comfortably and formed an unlikely partnership with Demichelis that prevented Hull from taking advantage of the extra man. His height and strength make him an extremely versatile option for Pellegrini and he's beginning to grow on the City faithful.
Fernandinho 7 - Controlled the midfield in his typically tenacious style, but missed an absolute sitter than would have handed the game to City in the second half. 
Yaya Touré 6 - Played his part in some eye-catching one touch passing, but nothing more. Looks exhausted and could do with a rest before the Manchester derby.
Samir Nasri 6 - Like Yaya, Nasri was just another person for Silva to pass to and could do with a rest after a run of brilliant displays.
David Silva 10 - My second 10 rating of the season, and yet again, it's a Spaniard. Masterminded City's resurgence after the red card and weaved his way in and out of Hull's midfield like a magician. His goal was incredible, his assist was spectacular, and his admirable work rate proved that he's not just a passer of the ball.
Edin Džeko 6 - Had little of the ball but his physical presence up top was an absolute necessity in holding up the ball and providing a target. Killed off the game with minutes to spare.
Substitutes
Joleon Lescott 6 - Played his part in a stunning defensive display.
Jesus Navas 6 - Quiet cameo.
Kolarov - no time to mark
Shots on target: Hull City 5 - 3 Manchester City
Shots off target: Hull City 7 - 4 Manchester City
Blocked shots: Hull City 3 - 1 Manchester City
Fouls: Hull City 9 - 14 Manchester City
Pass Completion: Hull City 85% - 78% Manchester City
Tackle Success: Hull City 32% - 48% Manchester City
