After my calls for consistency Hull City finally delivered, producing a brilliant battling performance against Manchester City to win their first game in 11. That stat is misleading really, as the players have steadily improved since Christmas, nicking draws against Spurs and Chelsea, and culminating in a terrific 2-1 win against the world’s richest club.

This was another excellent team performance, with the Tigers simply wanting the result more than the visitors’ mercenaries. Altidore and Vennegoor worried the dodgy looking back four from the first minute, Boateng and Cairney both continued their excellent form, and the back four put in another terrific effort, with the full-backs this time matching the centre-halves’ performance.

It was terrific to see Altidore and Boateng score their first goals in Hull City shirts, particularly for the American, who finished a neat move with a lovely finish. You could sense the relief lift from the KC and the joy the crowd felt for Altidore, who has been performing really well recently and deserved a goal. Jozy is now starting to look the part. He’s become a little more streetwise, and knows how to use his power and strength in the right way. His partnership with Big Jan is now starting to look very effective, and hopefully the pair can score the goals to keep City up.

Jozy’s finish was outshone by Boateng’s bullet however. What a terrific strike by the Dutchman on his wrong foot, off balance. His shooting has been always powerful, if not accurate, but a Boateng screamer was bound to come sooner rather than later. A bit like Ashbee, if you keep having a dig one will go in, and that was probably his one for the season.

It’s brilliant to see City actually getting better as the season progresses, and the major significance for me is that this come run has come without Bullard, who should give the team a further boost when he returns to the side. A fully fit Zaki will also boost the side and give Brown more options up front, and if City can avoid any more injuries, their season could really start to look up.

Forty points is usually looked at for the mark of safety, meaning the Tigers need another 16 to reach safety. That’s four wins and a handful of draws, and suddenly the task isn’t looking as daunting as it once did.

Obviously City need to win some home games, but for me the away form has to improve. We still haven’t won away from home yet this season, and a couple of wins on the road would really help the situation and propel the Tigers away from the relegation battle.

Ewood Park would be a good place to pinch one of these wins on Wednesday night. It will be very different to the Man City game. Blackburn will be direct, physical and organised, and City will have to win the physical battle before they can win the football battle. It should be a very interesting, if not entertaining game.

Can City keep their run of form going? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
TC