Sone Aluko: Play-offs are Hull City's minimum goal
SONE Aluko believes anything less than a top-six finish would constitute underachievement for a Hull City side with its sights set firmly on the Premier League.
A 2-1 win at Bristol City ended the Tigers' 47-year wait for victory at Ashton Gate and, more importantly, catapulted Steve Bruce's men back into the play-off places.
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Sone Aluko celebrates his goal as Hull City take the lead at Bristol
Although City have suffered blips in an erratic start to the campaign, Saturday's win was another stylish demonstration of their potential.
And Aluko, who opened the scoring with a beautifully worked goal, believes the opening quarter of the campaign shows the Tigers can be a force this season.
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"We believe that the more we play, the better we'll become," Aluko said.
"I believe that this is a team that can push for promotion.
"I'd be really disappointed if we're not up there because the players we've got here and the depth in the squad is a top-six team. It should be a very realistic target.
"Our philosophy is to keep the ball on the ground and play as a team. When it comes off, we're a handful for any side."
Aluko typified an encouraging return to form for the Tigers at the weekend following last week's limp defeat at Middlesbrough.
The 23-year-old needed just eight minutes to celebrate his recall when exchanging a series of passes with strike partner Jay Simpson and converting his fourth goal of the season.
An equaliser from Steven Davies drew the Robins level midway through the first half, but Cole Skuse's own goal was enough to deliver a seventh win of the season for Bruce's men.
City's win came with another excellent showing from Aluko, and he admits he has been pleased with the impact he's made since arriving on a free transfer from Rangers.
"You don't get a lot of time in football and when I came in I said I wanted to play regularly, score goals and create goals," he said.
"Once you say those things you've got to back it up. It's been a lot easier because of the team-mates I've got and the staff around.
"I set very high standards for myself and I've been happy.
"I look back and think about little things I could have done better, but if you'd have said at the start of the season where I'd be today, I'd have been very happy with that."
Aluko's man of the match display came after he had been dropped for the first time in City's loss at Middlesbrough four days earlier.
The Nigerian international duly came back suitably refreshed and he insists he had no qualms with squad rotation during a hectic period up to Christmas.
"We've got a very strong squad here. Aaron Mclean came on and scored, Nick Proschwitz came on and scored two, so they both deserved their chances," he said.
"There's a lot of games and they come thick and fast.
"There will be times when players are rested but when you get your chance you always need to take it. I was happy to get the goal. I don't honestly remember too much about it but everyone was telling me what a good goal it was."
Comments
by Elmo96
Tuesday, October 30 2012, 7:08PM
“Keep Rossi on at left back for Saturday, Dawson is too old and slow, when he gets the ball our pass and go style of play breaks down and reverts back to the hoof over the top, we do not miss him at all when Rossi or Dudgeon is on at left back, upsetting to here about Dudgeons injury but this should be no excuse to play Dawson, he's useless in the system we're trying to play.”
by VoiceNreason
Monday, October 29 2012, 2:55PM
“Wise management from Steve Bruce @ Bristol City. No way could Dawson - McKenna and Olifinjana handle 3 games in a week. But wow, once Mckenna came on to shut up shop in midfield Bristol were lost. Great management and a Great team performance.
Bristol City could not have complained if they had lost 6-2.!!! Give the 2nd to Quinn. It was on target....well almost. Lol.”
by SteveB1234567
Monday, October 29 2012, 11:23AM
“That was a really lovely goal, and the way Aluko and Simpson have gelled means Proschwitz and McLean will have to get used to being on the bench. Then, as Sone says, when they do get their chance they'll need to make sure they take it.”
by strummer1961
Monday, October 29 2012, 10:39AM
“I saw a fair bit of Aluko up here(Glasgow) and knew he'd be a sensation in a Tigers shirt.
His understanding with Simpson is starting to flourish and if it progresses throughout the season,it bodes well for a real decent attempt at automatic promotion.
We have the essence of a really good squad this season and have ample cover in most positions.Injuries have hit us early on which is unfortunate but may be a good thing in a way, as other promotion rivals may well suffer them at a crucial time.
Once we get our first choice back 3 in order we have a strong,efficient and extremely mobile unit at the back.The Midfield probably requires one addition in the mould of another Quinn type player and don't forget that we still have Cameron Stewart out on loan who might just come back stronger and more level headed.
The future looks decent with this bunch and in Steve Bruce we seem to have got a really passionate and well respected Manager who has blended in really well with the players.Team spirit and morale seem really high and it looks like it could be one hell of a season!!!!”
by Tigerjim
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:52AM
“Sone Aluko had a fantastic game v Bristol, and his comments show a real team player attitude, which is what we need. I love watching him play. He has the ability to do the unpredictable, which can make the difference to break the deadlock. It doesn't always come off, and sometimes he has an off day, but when it clicks for him, he's beautiful to watch. Long may his good form continue. UTT!”
by EuroTiger
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:02AM
“Typo me -Aluko -WOW!”
by EuroTiger
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:00AM
“A shame that a number of highley influencial players are sidelined for the remainder of the season.
It will be iteresting to see hw SB deals with the problem (a proven high level goal nabber at toward the end of his carreer on loan or short term contract ?)
As for Mr Saluko - Wow!
In Steve, the Allams and the tigers do I trust - statement , never a quesion”