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Tom Huddlestone excels but Hull forced to settle for a draw vs. Burnley

Hull City will enjoy few better chances to escape the Premier League's bottom three than this. Despite taking the lead through Tom Huddlestone's 72nd minute penalty, a gift after Michael Keane's handball, the Tigers were soon pegged back and surrendered two precious points.

Keane's clinical finish, unmarked from a left-wing corner, was particularly difficult for Marco Silva to stomach. Although there was nothing disastrous about collecting a 21st point of the season, City fell a place to 19th instead of climbing up to 16th.

Positives

City finished February, as tough a month as any they'll face all season, with five points banked in the fight for survival. A 21st point of the campaign was hardly as impressive as recent others but Burnley had won both of their previous visits to the KCOM Stadium in the top flight. Ultimately, the point keeps City within touching distance of safety on a weekend when Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Swansea and Bournemouth all lost.

Negatives

Arguably the area of greatest improvement under Marco Silva has been City's organisation from set pieces; to concede as they did was a bitter disappointment. Keane was afforded time and space to fire in an equaliser, making amends for the earlier concession of a penalty.

City also struggled to ever click as an attacking force. Dieumerci Mbokani, still searching for that elusive first goal for the club, failed to take his chances during a first start in almost two months. It means Silva remains unable to fully place his trust in any of his centre-forwards.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- Marco Silva's hands were tied with Evandro and Lazar Markovic injured and Sam Clucas suspended, but the inclusion of Mbokani ahead of Oumar Niasse did not pay off. The worst his side have played under his guidance in the Premier League.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Eldin Jakupovic, 5 -- Rarely tested by Burnley and could do little about Keane's equaliser but City's keeper was almost embarrassed when he fumbled Ben Mee's routine header against his own bar. A needlessly scary moment.

DF Omar Elabdellaoui, 7 -- Retained at right-back and delivered his best performance since arriving back in English football. Still needs to sharpen up suspect positional play but a genuine threat coming forward with his pace.

DF Harry Maguire, 7 -- Went through the wars with an early knee injury and earned the praise of his boss for his show of character. Kept up his imposing recent form, producing tackles and blocks to keep the visitors at bay.

DF Andrea Ranocchia, 6 -- Burnley were keen to get in behind and turn the tall defender and Andre Gray caused problems with that tactic. Not entirely comfortable but a number of clearances saw the Italian play his part.

DF Andy Robertson, 7 -- Another who is flourishing under Silva and this was another assured display from the Scottish left-back. Pushed Burnley back with his advances and gave ex-Tiger George Boyd little joy in their battle.

MF Ahmed Elmohamady, 6 -- A first start under Silva following his African Nations exploits with Egypt and a fleeting threat on the right flank. Produced the best cross of the game for Mbokani to head over in the first half.

MF Tom Huddlestone, 8 -- City's best player once again, running the game from midfield with his expert passing range. One went astray in the opening stages but otherwise, it was an excellent showing.

MF Alfred N'Diaye, 6 -- Lacked the authority he'd shown in his opening two games as Huddlestone's partner, struggling to get the edge over a busy opponent. Left very little impression on a scrappy contest.

MF Kamil Grosicki, 5 -- An erratic figure on City's left flank, one moment showing promise, the next allowing play to break down. Had a number of good opportunities, none better than the curled effort wide in space.

MF Shaun Maloney, 6 -- Given the job of offering creative support at the tip of midfield and all of City's best early play went through the canny veteran. Faded as the game wore on in his first Premier League start in four months.

FW Dieumerci Mbokani, 5 -- A first appearance under Silva and typical of a frustrating loan spell at the KCOM Stadium. Linked up play well enough but when the chances came along he was unable to net his first City goal.

Substitutes

FW Oumar Niasse, 6 -- Axed in favour of Mbokani but nothing off the bench to undermine that surprise call.

MF David Meyler, 6 -- Joined a scrappy midfield battle than neither side won.

FW Abel Hernandez, NR -- The subject of links with a move to China dragged his one and only chance wide.