Brad Rial picks out the key talking points from Hull City's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United. The Tigers must get back to basics, but who should Bruce turn to and who should he drop?Let's get back to basics against Everton
To say Manchester United's 3-0 win over Hull City was routine would be an understatement. It was the definition of the word.
The hosts had it all too easy from the get-go because City fell well short of expectations. At times our players looked like they'd never met, let alone played football.
These are worrying times and Steve Bruce now has a big three days ahead of him to ensure there is a reaction against Everton.
It's time to get back to basics. Liam Rosenior, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn and David Meyler all deserve to come back into the reckoning.
Today, City missed Rosenior's reliability and McShane's determination at the back. They missed Meyler's canniness and Quinn's energy in midfield.
This quartet may not be as glamorous as others in the squad, but they play with a commitment that was sorely lacking at Old Trafford.
What is needed right now is three points. Who will care how ugly City play if it means a first win in eight games?Is it time to rest Curtis Davies?
In recent weeks, James Chester and Paul McShane have been the fall-guys at the heart of the City defence. Michael Dawson and Alex Bruce have also been in and out of the side this season, but the one constant has been captain Curtis Davies.
Today, the skipper was well below-par. In an error-strewn display he looked unusually out of his depth and his failure to clear his lines led to Wayne Rooney doubling United's lead.
One second-half moment summed up his bad day at the office: Under no pressure whatsoever, he tried to play a simple ball to Michael Dawson, only to pass it straight out of play.
The shake of his head told its own story. He knows he has to do better.
Is Davies "undroppable"? By leaving Tom Huddlestone on the bench today, Bruce showed he is not afraid to leave out his big-name players.
Last season, Davies showed that, on his day, he is one of the best central defenders in the country. Let's hope he can recover that stellar form sooner rather than later. Hauling off Hatem Ben Arfa was the right decision
Hatem Ben Arfa was taken off by Steve Bruce after just 35 minutes – a damning indictment of his performance. But Ben Arfa could have few complaints. He looked lacklustre – disinterested, even – and at times it felt as if the Tigers were playing with ten men.
Bar a few glimpses of flair, the Frenchman has offered little since his arrival on loan from Newcastle.
There is no doubt Ben Arfa is a talented player, but there comes a time when a manager must put the team first – which is exactly what Steve Bruce did ten minutes before half-time.
The chances of Ben Arfa starting on Wednesday are next to zero.Sone Aluko and Michael Dawson the bright sparks
On an afternoon of few bright spots, Ben Arfa's replacement, Sone Aluko, shone.
Aluko, who failed to even make the bench against Tottenham last week, did his chances of starting at Everton no harm by producing a fine performance from the bench.
He looked sharp, eager to impress and rediscovered that half-yard of pace that looked to have deserted him following injury.
With Gaston Ramirez suspended, Ben Arfa out of sorts and Abel Hernandez back in Uruguay for the birth of his child, Aluko is in line for a start at Goodison Park. On the basis of today's display, he deserves it.
Michael Dawson also came away from the game with a degree of credit. The centre back is starting to come into his own at the heart of the defence and followed up his display against Spurs with another commendable shift.
He showed excellent bravery to deny Falcao United's fourth goal at the death.
Supporters may not have expected anything ahead of this game but the manner in which City surrendered will concern them. It was a pitiful performance and a reaction is desperately needed on Wednesday.
