City 4 Sunderland 3

Yesterday's result, which saw us move back up to sixth in the table (and only eight points off second with a game in hand), was of course relegated to a minor footnote given events either side of the ninety minutes that encapsulated many of the frustrations of recent weeks.

Hughes said he had no idea of the speculation that was growing about his future, but his decision to axe Robinho and Adebayor following their midweek performances was certainly a statement. With Bellamy and Wright-Phillips back in the line up it showed exactly where our strengths lie, attacking with pace and intent. Bellamy in particular was instrumental, perhaps on a one-man mission to save Hughes's job as we raced into an early lead.

Familiar failings at the back were to haunt us though, throwing away 2-0 and 3-2 leads before Santa Cruz (who showed plenty of promise yesterday) scored his second to seal the points in a game that earned Hughes what was to be a victorious swansong, but which will largely be forgotten when history looks back on the days events.