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Manchester City: Three Key Takeaways from MC’s 3-0 win at Hull

By Larry Henry

HULL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Yaya Toure of Manchester City scores from the penalty spot for his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester City at KCOM Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Yaya Toure of Manchester City scores from the penalty spot for his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester City at KCOM Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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HULL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling (R) of Manchester City celebrates with Aleksandar Kolorov of Manchester City after the own goal by Curtis Davies of Hull City during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester City at KCOM Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Raheem Sterling (R) of Manchester City celebrates with Aleksandar Kolorov of Manchester City after the own goal by Curtis Davies of Hull City during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester City at KCOM Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /


Manchester City made it three league wins in-a-row on Monday after a 3-0 road victory at last-place Hull City. 

Pep Guardiola‘s side were looking to add some more momentum after back-to-back wins over Watford and Arsenal a week ago. Hull, had fallen to Tottenham and West Ham a week ago, as they try to get out of the relegation zone.

Fernandinho came back into the side from suspension, as John Stones and Bacary Sagna also returned to the starting lineup. Kevin De Bruyne started as the main striker with Sergio Aguero serving the final-match of a four-match ban.

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City’s best chance offensively came six minutes in as, Yaya Toure‘s free-kick was saved in the top-left corner. Hull provided a threat on the counter but Claudio Bravo was up to the task in-goal. The sides entered the halftime break deadlocked at 0-0.

Hull started off the second half on the front-foot with Harry Maguire just missing from close range. De Bruyne came close striking the left-post in the 53rd. The breakthrough however came in the 72nd minute when Raheem Sterling drew a penalty after being tackled by Hull’s Andrew Robertson.

A minute later, Toure smashed home the penalty kick for a 1-0 Manchester City lead. According to BBC Sport, Yaya Toure has scored from all 10 of his Premier League penalty kicks for Manchester City. Six minutes later, substitute Kelechi Iheanacho hammered a second goal for the visitors from David Silva‘s assist.

The score-line was stamped at 3-0 in stoppage time as Sterling’s cross directed in off of Hull defender Curtis Davies for an own-goal. A 3-0 win on Boxing Day propelled Manchester City back into second place at least until tomorrow.

Pep’s side out-possessed Hull 67%-33% while having six shots-on-goal. Claudio Bravo made three saves in the clean sheet, while Hull’s David Marshall made three in the defeat.

After a strong win on the road, here are my three key takeaways from the KCOM Stadium.

1.) It took a while, but eventually Manchester City broke down Hull. 
Heading into today’s showdown, a lot was expected from Manchester City to roll through the last-place side. Hull stood firm for about 70 minutes before a mistake by Robertson allowed the penalty. The positive is that the Manchester City players stuck with the game-plan and came home with a crucial three points on the road. With another road match at Liverpool on New Years Eve, Manchester City can feel good about themselves heading into another strict test, this time at the top of the table.

2.) Defensively, MC’s back-line held firm against constant pressure. 
The problem for Hull City is the lack of a consistent goalscorer up-top. That theme showed again with Robert Snodgrass really running the show in the midfield. After an early injury to John Stones, the back-line was led by Nicolas Otamendi while Alex Kolarov also did well in a sub appearance. They were able to keep the Hull attackers to long-range efforts while doing enough to earn a valuable clean sheet. With a tougher test on New Years Eve, the defenders will need to use today’s performance as preparation for Liverpool’s wide-range of attackers.

3.) The return of Sergio Aguero will make the team better. 
With Sergio Aguero out again today, Kevin De Bruyne was used a false striker. For most of the afternoon, Manchester City’s attackers were under-performing and frustrated by the Hull defenders. Sergio Aguero will be available for the NYE clash with Liverpool, and is expected to jump right back into the starting line-up. His pace and skill has been missed with several midfielders being tossed up-top in replacement. His presence will make the team better and will allow Pep another attacking option heading into a tough test at Anfield.

Next: Player Ratings: Manchester City vs. Hull City

Overall, it was a good day for the team as they made it three wins-in-a-row and got a valuable clean sheet. They can now rest up quickly and prepare for a tough match at Liverpool on Saturday. Be sure to check back for all the news, opinion, and updates regarding Manchester City Football Club.