On Boxing Day Hull visited Eastlands and publicly got torn a new one. Not just by a rampant Manchester City side who knocked 4 in by half time, but by the furious manager, Phil Brown, who unusually conducted the half time team talk on the pitch. Quite a bizarre sight it has to be said.

Did it work?? Well, you could say that I suppose; they drew the 2nd half 1-1. Some consolation.

Rewind six days and Hull were spanked 4-1 at home by Sunderland. Yup, that’s 9 goals conceded in their last two games. Hull have impressed many with their style of play and attitude, but they were never going to sustain it for the entire season. Has their bubble well and truly burst now??

One thing’s for sure; Villa have slipped up a couple of times this season, perhaps by underestimating their opponents. I’d like to think that isn’t the reason, Martin O’Neill is too smart for that, but it’s human nature to a certain degree to think you have the beating of some teams. (I’m referring to the players of course).

We underestimate Hull at our peril. They’ve shown on numerous occasions that they can play a bit of football, but now it’s a test of character for them. If they look past our visit to the KC Stadium they’ll see other opponents who are chasing the top tier and hungry for points – Everton & Arsenal. When you’ve shipped 9 goals in 2 games and then have to face the 4th, 5th & 6th placed teams you’d be forgiven for wondering when you’ll next get some points.

Here’s to hoping it won’t be this side of the new year.