Hull City's hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship suffered damage when they were soundly beaten by relegation rivals Leicester City. The Tigers were given fleeting optimism when taking an early lead through Sam Clucas, but their hosts' enthusiasm was never quite subdued. Goals from Christian Fuchs and Riyad Mahrez overturned Leicester's deficit before Tom Huddlestone's late own goal rounded off another unhappy away day.
Wins for Crystal Palace and Swansea City now leave Marco Silva's side four points adrift of safety.
Positives
Clucas struggled to enjoy his big moment after Leicester fought back, but a first Premier League goal in his career will not be forgotten in a hurry. The Foxes were the club that released him for being too small as a 16-year-old, beginning an unconventional route to the top that required a fall down to non-league. The midfielder was one of the few players to emerge with credit for City, matching Leicester's work rate and posing a threat on the counter.
Negatives
City have not performed as poorly in the Premier League under Silva and in a game of such significance that has to be concern. Leicester wanted it more over the 90 minutes, filing this as another dismal day away from the KCOM Stadium. The Tigers' record on their travels is the ongoing reason why they reside in the bottom three. Since beating Swansea and drawing with Burnley in their first two away games, it is 11 defeats in their last 12 outside of East Yorkshire. Next up it's Everton and Manchester City, but something has to change when travelling to Stoke, Southampton and Crystal Palace inside April and May.
Manager rating out of 10
5 -- If Silva left himself open to criticism in the 1-1 draw with Burnley, his halo slipped again at the King Power Stadium. Although most agreed with his starting XI, he was slow to change a contest where Leicester set the tempo.
Player ratings
GK Eldin Jakupovic, 5 -- Made good saves to keep out Mahrez and Demarai Gray, but was found wanting on both of Leicester's opening goals. Fuchs' equaliser went through him before he was slow to get down for Mahrez's decisive strike.
DF Ahmed Elmohamady, 4 -- Was a surprise inclusion ahead of Omar Elabdellaoui and his defensive shortcomings were preyed upon by Leicester. Was torn to shreds down his flank in the first period by Jamie Vardy's runs in behind.
DF Harry Maguire, 6 -- Came within a whisker of restoring City's lead early in the second half when striking the post and heading straight at Kasper Schmeichel. Produced an excellent block to keep out Robert Huth.
DF Andrea Ranocchia, 6 -- Had spoken of Vardy's dangers and the mess down City's right flank often drew him out of position to cover. Struggled for the opener, but was much improved after the break.
DF Andy Robertson, 6 -- Was tormented by Mahrez ahead of the goal that put Leicester 2-1 up, turned inside and out. This was not a moment to savour for the defender, but he helped make the Tigers' left side far stronger than their right.
MF Lazar Markovic, 3 -- Was not good enough, plain and simple. A passenger in one of City's biggest games of the season, serving up a listless performance. It's a wonder he was left on the pitch for so long.
MF Tom Huddlestone, 6 -- Hurried along by Leicester throughout the opening stages and afforded little time to play at his pace, but brought greater control in the second half before his unfortunate own goal sealed defeat.
MF Alfred N'Diaye, 5 -- Was an anonymous figure in City's midfield, with a high-paced game passing him by. Recalling his notable contributions is difficult and it was no surprise that he was hooked by Silva midway through the second half.
MF Sam Clucas, 7 -- Began and ended City's opening goal with a slick counter, picking his moment to score his first in the Premier League. Cannot be faulted for his attitude and was the best of an out-of-sorts team display.
MF Kamil Grosicki, 6 -- Exploited great areas with his pace and direct running, but too many of his crosses were overhit. City would have an excellent winger to call upon if he was able to sharpen up his final ball.
FW Oumar Niasse, 6 -- Was denied by Schmeichel's excellent low save late in the game and played his part in the breakaway opener. Showed signs of promise in attack, but he would surely benefit from greater support.
Substitutes
FW Abel Hernandez, N/A -- Niasse was the man favoured in attack and Hernandez offered nothing to undermined that call.
FW Adama Diomande, N/A -- Had nothing to show from his late cameo as City chased the game.