Manchester City with 10 men from 10 minutes beat Hull City 2-0...Hmmm are trying to make a statement?

Pellegrini said "It was a very good response after a very difficult week. We played well with and without the ball.

"It was a clear foul by Jelavic against Kompany before the tackle by Kompany. But the referee did not see it.

"I trust my players and the team. We kept the ball very well today - and without the ball you cannot make damage. I don't remember any clear chances for Hull."

Manchester City shrugged off the 10th minute sending-off of captain Vincent Kompany as they dredged up a 2-0 win at Hull to keep the pressure on leaders Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Hull have now lost five of their last 8 home league games with their only Premier League victory at the  KC Stadium since 1 December being a 6-0 thumping of Fulham on 28 December