Brad Rial picks out three Hull City performances from last night's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.Maguire makes his mark
Harry Maguire has been Hull City's forgotten man in recent months but yesterday he put in a performance to remember.
Making only his second start for the club, he was comfortably the Tigers' best performer and did his chances of featuring more frequently in the league no harm at all.
Maguire's only previous start for City came against KSC Lokeren in the Europa League so it was a big call by Steve Bruce to thrown him in against the might of Arsenal (even if injuries and suspensions forced his hand).
But he repaid his manager's faith by putting in a commanding display. Maguire's stature suggests an old-fashioned, no-nonsense style of play. But he also demonstrated calmness on the ball and a fleetness of foot that wasn't expected.Make no mistake: the boy can play. On countless occasions yesterday, Maguire strode effortlessly out of defence and into the Gunners half. It was refreshing to see such an inexperienced centre-back (at this level at least - let's not forget he racked up over 100 appearances for Sheffield United in the Football League) play with such confidence.
Maguire mixed the smooth with the rough and, when needed, threw his body on the line to repel Arsenal attacks. One instance in the second half stood out, when he brilliantly prevented Alexis Sanchez from doubling the home side's advantage with a last-ditched sliding tackle.
Of course, he is far from the finished article. At times, Maguire gave the ball away carelessly but that can be put down to a lack of game time against top players.
But there were clear signs of promise. Still aged just 21, he has time on his side and after such an assured game yesterday, it will be interesting to see how he develops in the coming months.Return of the Macca
Paul McShane returned to the City starting XI to put in a typically wholehearted display. Making his first start since the defeat at Burnley in an unfavoured right-back role, the Irishman may have struggled.
But it is testimony to his attitude that he didn't look at all out of his depth.McShane has never been one to shirk a challenge. And while that full-bloodedness saw him caught out on a couple of occasions, his commitment to the cause could never be doubted.
He was comfortable in possession and contributed well to a City performance that was spirited but lacked a cutting edge. His superb goal-line clearance from Sanchez in the first half was an example. Lesser players would have given up on the ball and not anticipated the shot.
McShane now appears to be off the naughty step and the City squad is a better place for it. With Andy Robertson and Liam Rosenior out and Michael Dawson yet to return to full fitness, Steve Bruce will require cover. Yesterday, McShane proved that he could be more than trusted when required.Sagbo struggles
The demise of Yannick Sagbo has been sad to see. A little over twelve months ago, he was part of a side that was comfortably holding its own in the Premier League and was quickly becoming a fans' favourite for his excellent performances up front.
Fast-forward a year and his stock couldn't be lower. The arrivals of Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long – and then Abel Hernandez – saw him slip down the pecking order and since he returned from an ill-fated loan spell at Wolves he has failed to make an impression.
Yesterday was a huge chance for him to impress not only his manager and supporters but also the watching world and prove to Steve Bruce that he deserves a run in the side.
But he was well below par and when he was hauled off for Hernandez on 68 minutes it wasn't before time. Sagbo was ineffective. He looked slow to react, sloppy with the ball at his feet and, it has to be said, a shadow of his former self.
The game against the Gunners was an opportunity for him to give Bruce a selection headache ahead of next week's trip to West Brom. The manager's biggest dilemma when it comes to Sagbo now, though, will be whether he even warrants a place on the bench.
