There are several ways of looking at Hull City’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn. Two points dropped against relegation rivals? A point gained against a dogged team who did a nice job on keeping the tigers tethered? Or just two rubbish teams who couldn’t produce the required quality of play without their respective playmakers. I would tend to side with the third of the arguments, although to describe the two teams as rubbish is perhaps a tad unfair.

Whatever, City were well short of the standard of recent performances, largely down to the absence of Bullard, whose loss will prove pivotal in the coming weeks. City face the daunting prospect of playing Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Man Utd (twice) among their next six league games, with only the trip to Bolton offering a degree of respite.

Although few points can realistically be expected from these games (particularly without Bullard), if results go City’s way and they can stay out of the drop zone, they should be in position to push on in February and March as the fixtures get a little kinder hopefully with a fully-fit midfield maestro in tow.

Looking back at last week’s game it’s hard to think what Phil Brown could have done differently to get all three points. Perhaps a slightly more positive approach could have helped, and Jozy Altidore could count himself unfortunate to be dropped in my opinion. The American has been playing well, and would have offered a bit more balance and power to the frontline, as Craig Fagan struggled to make an impact in a largely isolated role. Dean Marney and George Boateng huffed and puffed in the midfield without ever really getting a hold of the game. I expect Seyi Olofinjana to be back in the side at the weekend, which sees City head to the capital to take on Arsenal.

The Emirates Stadium played out possibly the greatest victory in Hull City’s history last season, and certainly my greatest, and most surreal day as a Tigers fan. Leaving the stadium that Saturday was a bizarre experience, as I almost floated back to the tube station in a haze of wonder at what I had just seen.

That hard-fought 2-1 victory was achieved through a wonderfully courageous and surprisingly adventurous set up from the manager. Will Brown try to replicate those tactics in the hope of a similar result? I’d say it’s unlikely, but City have nothing really to lose – any points on Saturday night would be viewed as a massive bonus, and a hammering merely par for the course.

Without the quality of Marlon King, or the burst of confidence that was running through the side in September last season, I suspect Brown may take a more cautious approach, but either way Arsenal are a little depleted and City gave them three very good tests last season. The Tigers boss clearly knows how to frustrate Wenger’s artists, but can he do it for 90 minutes? The game isn’t pivotal to our season, but it’ll still be fun to watch!

How do you think City will do over the difficult Christmas period? I’d love to hear your thoughts, or any other questions or comments you might have.

Cheers,
TC