Hull City 2 Man City 1: Tigers stun big-spending City

But when it comes to grit, desire and good old-fashioned determination, Hull City proved that money cannot necessarily buy you everything.

The Tigers claimed their first Premier League win in 11 attempts courtesy of a battling display that made a mockery of Manchester City's standing as the richest club in the world.

Hull never let their wealthy visitors settle with their pressing game being so effective that the millionaires from Eastlands were made to look like paupers.

Jozy Altidore and George Boateng netted the goals to ensure Phil Brown's men claimed their first win since Everton lost 3-2 at the KC Stadium on November 25.

But this was a true team effort as every member of the Yorkshire side rose to the challenge of putting a dent in the Blues' Champions League hopes.

At the back, Steven Mouyokolo continued to show the form that suggests Hull picked up a bargain when signing the French defender from Boulogne for around 2m last summer.

His initial appearances in a Tigers shirt at the start of the season were less than convincing. But since returning to the starting line-up in the recent 2-2 draw with Wolves, Mouyokolo has been a tower of strength.

With Anthony Gardner also back on top of his game following the calamitous own goal that allowed Mick McCarthy's side to claim a point nine days ago, the Hull defence comfortably dealt with the 50m strikeforce of Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez.

It was a similar story in midfield with teenager Tom Cairney again looking at ease in exalted company alongside the game's outstanding performer George Boateng.

The 34-year-old was magnificent, bringing control and poise to the centre of the field.

Boateng not only scored his first goal since joining the Tigers from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2008, he also played a major part in Hull's opener.

Following on from his similarly impressive display against Chelsea four days earlier, Boateng again justified his decision late last year to turn down a loan move to Ipswich Town when it seemed he was not in Brown's plans.

Against 16m Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry, a 12m signing from Aston Villa, the veteran who arrived in East Yorkshire on a free transfer from the Riverside Stadium bossed proceedings.

Typical of the impact he made was the key role he played in Hull's 31st-minute opener.

Collecting the ball midway inside the Manchester City half, Boateng used the space afforded him by the slow-to-react opponents by rolling a deft pass into the feet of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The big Dutch striker neatly laid the ball off to Altidore who cleverly stroked his shot beyond Shay Given and into the net.

Roberto Mancini and his players could have no complaints at falling behind after failing to deal with the home side's high tempo approach.

Altidore's pace had induced yellow cards for Kolo Toure and Dedrcj Boyata inside the opening 19 minutes to leave the Blues' central defensive pairing walking a disciplinary tightrope.

The Tigers had also created the game's better chances with Craig Fagan having shot over inside the first minute and Vennegoor of Hesselink volleying wide after neat work by Andy Dawson and Mouyokolo.

Once ahead, Hull continued to cause the Blues problems and it was no surprise when their lead was doubled nine minutes into the second half.

A powerful burst down the right flank by Fagan, the former Derby man showing tremendous tenacity to shoulder charge Wayne Bridge off the ball, created the initial danger that led to Hull being awarded a corner.

Toure then partially cleared Stephen Hunt's resulting cross towards Boateng who unleashed an unstoppable left-footed volley past Given from 20 yards.

The scenes of uncontained jubilation on three sides of the KC Stadium told their own story only for the visitors to gain a toehold in the game just five minutes later when Adebayor finished from close range.

Mancini, who had sent on new 7m signing Adam Johnson a couple of minutes before the goal, immediately thrust Patrick Vieira into the fray.

The French debutant was, however, unable to knock either Boateng or Cairney out of their stride and it was not until the closing stages that the Blues started to exert any pressure.

Even then, though, their efforts lacked urgency with the closest the visitors went to snatching an undeserved equaliser being when Boaz Myhill misjudged Johnson's cross.

He was relieved to see the ball bounce just wide of the target, ensuring Hull held on to claim what could prove to be their most important three points of the season.

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: George Boateng

Any fears a third start in a week would be too much for the veteran were dispelled with an all-action display that was deservedly capped by his first goal in Hull colours.

Villain: Craig Bellamy

It was a case of 'take your pick' from several visiting players who performed poorly and didn't seem overly bothered about so doing. But Craig Bellamy gets the nod for being, well, Craig Bellamy.

Key moment: 54th minute

George Boateng's stunning volley from 20 yards was worthy of winning any game.

Ref watch: Phil Dowd

Kept the game moving and was firm but fair with both sides. All the yellow cards were deserved and the official got all the big decisions spot on.

Verdict

A timely win for Hull and one that was fully deserved. Following on from the impressive draw at home to Chelsea, the Tigers' confidence levels will be sky high ahead of the forthcoming trio of away games at Blackburn, West Ham and Everton.

Quote of the day

I think sometimes we have to have respect for people. In the first half, the people did not respect him – Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, unhappy with the abuse meted out to Wayne Bridge by the KC Stadium crowd.

Next game

Blackburn Rovers v Hull City; Wednesday, February 10, 2010; Premier League.

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