Saturday 27 September 2014 18:36, UK
Hull City manager Steve Bruce defended his decision to play two strikers following the 4-2 home defeat by Manchester City.
Bruce fielded Abel Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic from the off and saw his side concede twice in the opening 11 minutes before rallying to equalise before half-time.
Second-half goals from Edin Dzeko and Frank Lampard secured the points for the champions, but Bruce was happy with the approach he took to the game.
“I’ve been in this a long, long time and, in my opinion, if you just try and park the bus like everybody does, which is a fashionable saying these days, they will eventually pick you off,” Bruce told Sky Sports.
“I decided to have a go, play two up top and for long, long periods, after we got back to two-each in the game, we were causing them a problem, but unfortunately we weren’t just quite good enough.”
Sergio Aguero and Dzeko scored in a fast start for the visitors and Bruce was fearing the worst before Eliaquim Mangala’s own goal and Hernandez’s penalty drew Hull level.
He added: “I suppose if you’re a neutral, it’s a good game for everybody.
“We had an awful start and it showed a bit of character to get back in it. It’s never easy after you’re 2-0 down after 12, 15 minutes against Manchester City, but we rolled our sleeves up and had a right good go.
“For 20, 25 minutes in the second half it could have gone either way, but there was a real quality goal from them which unfortunately took the game away from us.”
Reflecting further on the visitors taking a 2-0 lead, Bruce said: “When Dzeko smashes one in the top corner you think it’s going to be one of those awful days, but fair play to the players, they stuck at it, which they needed to do, and rolled their sleeves up and very nearly retrieved something.
“It’s not often City blow a 2-0 lead, they usually go on and give teams a hiding, so in that respect I’m pleased.”
