What a player Sone Aluko is. And what a stunning strike to win the game for Hull City yesterday. There are some goals that live long in the memory – think Deano at Wembley, or Geovanni at the Emirates – and this one at Newcastle definitely falls under that bracket.
He is the one player the Tigers have who can produce that little bit of magic and turn a game on its head. It's essential he stays fit. Of course, if he continues in this vein of form, and with his contract up at the end of the season, the jackals will soon be circling. Get him signed up, Brucie! First away win so important
So, a first away win of the season – and a first on the road in the Premier League since March 2009. The significance of Hull City's victory at St James's cannot be underestimated and will fill the squad with confidence. The Tigers simply look like they belong in the top flight. At times yesterday they knocked the ball about with consummate ease and, in the end, they absolutely deserved the three points.
After a nervy opening 20 minutes or so, in which they looked a little overawed, City clawed themselves back into the game. That's testament to the character and belief in this squad that they were able to respond so admirably after twice going behind.Chester and Davies faultless again
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, James Chester and Curtis Davies were once again outstanding at the back. Davies' anticipation was fantastic throughout and I don't think he lost a single header all game. The role of captain seemed to spur him on to even greater heights and he surely has to be in with a shout of getting the armband on a permanent basis.
If James Chester's hamstring injury does indeed keep him out for a month or more, then it is a real shame. He has grown in stature throughout this season and he will be sorely missed. His tackling was exemplary yesterday and, together with Davies, he nullified the threat of Papiss Cisse.3-5-2 or 4-4-2 for West Ham?
Chester's injury provides Steve Bruce with a bit of a selection headache. Does he revert to 3-5-2, with two of Figueroa, Faye, McShane or Bruce joining Davies in the back three?
Or does he stick with the four at the back, with Figueroa returning at left-back? If he goes for the latter, then I hope that Elmohamady isn't played as a right-back. Without wishing to put a dampener on things, that's three goals in as many games that City have conceded through crosses to the far post, and Elmo is obviously having difficulty defending those deliveries.
For all Elmo's attacking qualities (as evidenced by his neatly taken goal yesterday), he simply isn't a defender. He is much better suited to the wing-back role in a 3-5-2.
Liam Rosenior, meanwhile, was solid at left-back and involved in the impressive move that led to Aluko's goal. Rosie has been there and done it in the Premier League and he will no doubt play his part between now and the end of the season. He was a calming influence at the back and showed (if anyone doubted it) that he can be trusted when called upon.
Stephen Quinn also made his first start of the season and slotted in seamlessly. His game is, arguably, better suited to the Premier League than the Championship because he is getting more time to pick out his passes when he receives the ball. He was on the same wavelength as Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore (who were both, once again, excellent) throughout the game and he certainly staked his claim for a regular starting berth.
Quinn was replaced by George Boyd who, it's fair to say, has had a slow start to the season. This time though he contributed in fine style by setting up the Aluko winner. It was a great assist from the Scot who showed plenty of neat touches in his cameo appearance.
After the game, and in the wake of Chester's injury, Bruce kept everyone's feet on the ground by pointing out that City will struggle to cope with too many injuries to key players. However, the performances of Quinn, Rosenior and Boyd demonstrated there is quality beyond the first eleven. Final word on the fans
Just over 3,000 City fans made the trip up north yesterday, and they certainly made themselves heard. It was a cracking atmosphere up on the top tier, and Aluko's goal sparked jubilant celebrations. Away wins in the Premier League don't come around too often, but if yesterday's performance is anything to go by, City fans will have a few more to cheer about between now and the end of the season.
• Newcastle United 2 Hull City 3: Match report
• Steve Bruce: Sone Aluko will remember THAT goal for a very long time
• Pictures from Hull City's stunning win at Newcastle United
• Injury blow for Hull City's James Chester
