What have we learned from Hull City's 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Capital One Cup? Brad Rial analyses the key talking points, and Philip Buckingham rates the players.
So, Hull City are through to the fourth round of the League Cup, for the first time since 1978, after beating Huddersfield Town at the KC Stadium on Tuesday night. It was a far from vintage performance from the Tigers, but they probably just about deserved the win in a mildly entertaining game (Steve Bruce described it as "like watching paint dry!").
But at what point do City fans start to take the competition seriously? A favourable draw tonight and we could feasibly find ourselves in the quarter-finals and just a couple of wins away from Wembley. Okay, I might be getting ahead of myself, but you only have to look at last season's finalists – Swansea and Bradford – to see how far a unfancied team can go when it focuses on the Capital One Cup. Bruce seems determined to treat the cup as little more than glorified friendly matches, but will he feel the same way if we win next time out? Proschwitz scores, but questions still remain on fringes of Hull City attack
Nick Proschwitz may have got the only goal of the game, but it was a hit and miss performance from the big German. Last night epitomised his Hull City career to date. He is, at times, incredibly frustrating to watch, but just when you start to give up on him, he comes up with a moment of real quality that makes you think, maybe there is a player in there after all.
Last night he took his goal really well as he lashed the ball high into the roof of the net, giving the keeper no chance. But later on, when presented with a one-on-one with Smithies in the Huddersfield net, he skied the ball harmlessly over the bar.
Matty Fryatt had a frustrating night in front of goal, not least when he saw a first-half effort come back off the post. I am a fan of Fryatt, but at times last night it seemed like he was trying to do too much. With Gedo now back in on loan and – you'd imagine – ahead of Fryatt in the pecking order, it's time now for Matty to seek game-time elsewhere to rediscover his goalscoring touch, with the whisper last night that Leeds United will now move for him.
Yannick Sagbo, playing on the left for the majority of the game, showed brief moments of quality, but did not do enough to suggest he should start on Saturday. I'd expect Danny Graham to keep his place up front against West Ham.Conor Henderson has a good eye for a passConor Henderson came on to make his debut and, as you'd expect for a graduate of the Arsenal youth ranks, looked assured in possession. Playing in centre midfield, it took him a little while to get up to the pace of the game, but he eventually demonstrated a good eye for a pass, despite misplacing one or two (he can be excused the odd hiccup, given it's his first competitive game in such a long time). Bruce has suggested the Irish under-21 international may have fallen through the cracks at the top level after suffering two serious injuries. Now a part of City's development squad, hopes are high the 22-year-old with "a lovely left foot" will prove to be something of a late starter.Faye to start against West Ham?
As Steve Bruce was at pains to point out last night, Hull City's "bread and butter" is the league and he will bring his key men back in for the visit of West Ham. However, of those "fringe" players who started against Huddersfield, I would expect Abdoulaye Faye to keep his place for Saturday's match.
With James Chester out for eight weeks, Bruce has a big decision to make on who partners Curtis Davies at the back. On last night's showing, Faye deserves his chance. He was his usual commanding self and one of City's stand-out performers. Faye would be the ideal replacement for Chester, particularly against a Sam Allardyce side (and one of his former clubs).
It was a solid performance all round by the back four and goalkeeper. Steve Harper didn't put a foot (or hand) wrong. He was calming influence as he gathered cross after cross, and two clean sheets from two cup games is all anyone can ask for.
Liam Rosenior kept his place but switched from the left, where he started at Newcastle, to his favoured right-hand side. With Figueroa expected to return at left-back against West Ham, I'd argue Rosenior should keep his place at right-back, giving Bruce an option of pushing Elmohamady into midfield.
Completing the back four, Alex Bruce and Joe Dudgeon both put in commendable performances. Bruce looked particularly solid and made two or three excellent challenges. If he is called upon at any point on Saturday, I am sure he will be as dependable as ever. Philip Buckingham's player ratingsSTEVE HARPER: Restored to the side to face his former loan club and produced another clean-sheet. Largely had his defence to thank for that but still a calming presence. 6LIAM ROSENIOR: A second game in four days saw a switch to right-back and he again did little wrong. Solid defensively and showed the attacking guile to set City's opening goal in motion. 7ABDOULAYE FAYE: If this was a dress rehearsal to see who takes James Chester's shirt this weekend, the veteran is now in pole position. Strong, dependable and read the game astutely. 8ALEX BRUCE: Not a popular figure for the visiting supporters but he carried out his tasks in a diligent and understated fashion. His tackling was exemplary even with players running at pace. 8JOE DUDGEON: Back in the side after a hamstring injury and let no one down at left-back. Gave Huddersfield little joy down his flank and a clearing header late on summed up game. 7YANNICK SAGBO: Huddersfield did not enjoy his movement and energy, and another night could have seen him on the score-sheet. Keeps giving Bruce a nudge every time he gets chance. 7DAVID MEYLER: Adopting the anchor role, he gave others around him chance to press on. A tidy performance without fireworks and was often found breaking up the attacks. 7STEPHEN QUINN: The midfielder is making up for the time lost to injury and he had a big say on the pattern of the game from midfield. Rested for final 15 minutes after an accomplished night. 7GEORGE BOYD: Utilised out wide on the left wing and though his influence ebbed and flowed, he showed plenty of nice touches in unfamiliar role. Faded after the break considerably. 6NICK PROSCHWITZ: No doubting his willingness to showcase his quality and a deadly finish gave City the all-important opener on the hour mark but missed a great chance for a second. 7MATTY FRYATT: Desperately close to scoring his first goal in 17 months when striking inside of the post, the highlight of another frustrating run-out. Too often loose with ball at his feet. 6SUBS:
GEDO (for Fryatt 68) A return to the side almost brought a goal when missing Faye's knock down by a whisker. 6;
CONOR HENDERSON (for Quinn 74) A debut for the Arsenal man passed without incident but pleasing nonetheless. 6;
(Not used: Eldin Jakupovic, Curtis Davies, Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Ahmed Elmohamady.)
