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Manchester City looked a rejuvenated side as they destroyed Hull with a scintillating display to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Highlights

Stephen Ireland had a superb match, setting up Felipe Caicedo for the first two goals, and then providing the third for the returning superstar Robinho.

Shaun Wright-Phillips set up Robinho’s second to make it 4-0 before the break.

Hull sub Craig Fagan hit a consolation goal before Ireland had the final say, finishing off a move he had started.

Furious Hull boss Phil Brown gave his half-time team talk on the pitch. He spent three minutes with his players, in front of the fans who had travelled from east Yorkshire, wagging his finger at various individuals.

It had little effect on the second half, except for stemming the tide of City goals in what was generally a subdued period given added gloss by the two late strikes.

Mark Hughes had said in his programme notes that he had already identified players for City to sign in January. But the current crop provided ample evidence that there is plenty of skill in the existing squad.

THIS SEASON’S REVERSE FIXTURE

Hull City 2-2 Manchester City

16 November 2008 – Ref: Phil Dowd
Hull scorers: Cousin 14, Geovanni 60
Man City scorers: Ireland 37, 45