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Manchester City 1-1 Hull City
Match Reports, 17:21, November 28, 2009 ,
Jimmy Bullard struck a late penalty to give Hull a deserved point against a disappointing Manchester City.
City were held to a seventh consecutive league draw by a determined Hull City. The home side dominated possession but were largely unimaginative in front of goal, despite the return of Robinho after a three-month injury absence.
The hosts were actually more dangerous on the break and should have taken the lead on 30 minutes after a fine team move ended with a chance for Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the England winger could only fire into side netting.
The deadlock was broken in first-half injury-time, with luck playing a large part in the goal. Wright-Phillips' speculative effort was heading straight to Matt Duke, but Anthony Gardner diverted the ball past his keeper in trying to clear.
The slender half-time advantage flattered the hosts, who lacked fluency in the face of a well-organised Tigers defence. Mark Hughes' outfit did not improve after the break and nearly found themselves level after 47 minutes when Richard Garcia slid past Shay Given. Joleon Lescott cleared off the line.
Hull gained in confidence as the match wore on with the hosts seemingly paralysed by anxiety as they tried to protect their lead. An equaliser seemed increasingly likely and it was fitting that it should come from Bullard, a central figure in his team's recent improvement.
Substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was fouled in the hosts' area by Kolo Toure with eight minutes remaining, although Hull appeared to appeal for a Lescott handball. Either way referee Lee Probert pointed to the spot and Bullard made no mistake.