Tom Huddlestone scored his first Hull City goal as the Tigers beat Fulham 6-0 at the KC Stadium on Saturday.
The home side had the better of the chances in a non-eventful first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the score level at the interval.
Hull led in the early stages of the second period when Ahmed Elmohamady found the top corner from inside the box, before Robert Koren made it 2-0 on the hour mark.
It was 3-0 moments later when George Boyd converted from the edge of the area, before Huddlestone registered his first goal for the club on 67 minutes.
Hull were not finished, however, as Matty Fryatt and Koren's second in the latter stages made it 6-0 on a miserable afternoon for the Cottagers.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Premier League rivals.
Match statistics:
Hull:
Shots: 19
On target: 11
Possession: 51%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11
Fulham:
Shots: 5
On target: 2
Possession: 49%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 10
Was the result fair?
Hull certainly deserved to secure all three points this afternoon, but it could be argued that the scoreline was slightly harsh on Fulham, who were in the match for the first period. Credit must be given to Hull for continually pressing forward even when the victory was secure, but Fulham contributed to their own problems. It remains to be seen what type of damage such a defeat will have on the away side's confidence for the remainder of the season.
Hull's performance
Despite enjoying some positive moments in the first period, Hull never really got going in front of their own supporters. Well, that changed in the second 45 minutes. Conducted by the terrific Huddlestone, the Tigers were slick in the middle of the park, while Fulham simply could not deal with their pace and movement on the counter. Boss Steve Bruce was looking for a response following the defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day and he certainly received one.
Fulham's performance
Fulham entered the match on the back of a positive 2-1 win over Norwich City on Boxing Day, but with a number of changes to the XI, they really struggled to produce the same level of performance. They had their moments during the first period, but hardly featured as an attacking threat in the second half. It is strange that a certain Darren Bent cannot buy a start with their continued lack of goals, but it is their defensive issues that will keep head coach Rene Meulensteen awake at night.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Tom Huddlestone: Huddlestone's first trip tomorrow morning will be down to the barbers for a well-earned trim of his famous hair. Finally the midfielder opened his Hull account with a wonderful effort from the edge of the box. That said, it was his all-round performance that earns him this award. The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker was just different class in the middle of the park as he dictated the entire tempo throughout the 90 minutes.
Biggest gaffe of the match
It is difficult to pick one particular moment, but it is not tough to pick the flaws in the Fulham defending. The away side were compact for large periods of the first half, but simply fell apart in the second 45 minutes. The loss of imposing centre-back Brede Hangeland has really cost them this season.
Referee performance
I am not sure if Robert Madley has ever had an easier match to officiate. The 28-year-old was hardly seen during the 90 minutes as he allowed the match to flow from end to end. Officials are often criticised in this day and age, but Medley must be praised for his contribution to this classic Premier League encounter.
What next?
Hull: Hull are next in action on January 1 as they make the trip to high-flying Liverpool.
Fulham: The Cottagers will attempt to return to winning ways when they host West Ham United in a key relegation clash on January 1.
Matt Law
