Manchester City's Javier Garcia, centre, Edin Dzeko, centre left, and Martin Demichelis, centre right, defend a free kick from Hull's Nikica Jelavic, right, during their English Premier League soccer match at the KC Stadium, Hull, England, Saturday March 15. (AP Photo)
England, March 15 (agencies): Manchester City have sealed a 2-0 win over Hull City at the KC Stadium this afternoon, despite playing the majority of the match a player short. After a bright start from the home side, City found themselves reduced to 10 men when Vincent Kompany was shown a red card for bringing down Nikica Jelavic.
The captain's dismissal did not appear to distract the visitors, as David Silva was able to give them the lead just four minutes later with a drilled effort from 25 yards out.
Pablo Zabaleta almost made it two for Manuel Pellegrini's side with just over half an hour played, but his volleyed effort was kept out by the crossbar.
David Meyler thought that he had scored the equaliser shortly before half time, but his curled effort from the edge of the box was ruled out as three of his teammates were offside.
Shane Long had a chance to get the Tigers back on level terms early in the second half, attempting a long-range strike, but Joe Hart was able to make the save. Hull believed that they should have been awarded a penalty with just over 20 minutes left to play as George Boyd appeared to be brought down by Hart, but the keeper reacted furiously, suggesting that the striker dived.
Referee Lee Mason booked Hart for his protests, but did not give the home side the spot kick. Hull keeper Allan McGregor had to be alert to keep his team in it in the closing stages as Edin Dzeko had a chance to make the win safe inside the final five minutes, but the Scottish international blocked his shot. The Bosnian striker made amends a couple of minutes later though as he slid the ball low under McGregor following a through ball from Silva to clinch the win.
