As reactions to setbacks go, Hull City’s performance to completely outclass Sheffield Wednesday was almost as good as it gets.

In truth, a 4-2 scoreline flattered the Owls who really should have been leaving the MKM Stadium with a six or seven-goal difference, such was the superiority of the home side’s performance.

Following a difficult week which saw City beaten in controversial fashion at Norwich before being dumped out of the Carabao Cup, Liam Rosenior could barely have asked for more.

An Ozan Tufan treble and one for Aaron Connolly saw the hosts score four, though some sloppy defensive work allowed Wednesday two goals that made the scoreline look a little closer than it was in reality

Slater shines

This was always going to be a special game for Regan Slater. A staunch Blade, Slater had a glint in his eye when we spoke to him before the Norwich game about this derby looming large, and while he admirably tried to play the typical footballer party line about focusing on the next game, it was obvious how determined he’d be to get one over on the Owls.

And boy did he do that. In the first half, both Slatyer and Mika Seri bossed the midfield and put Barry Bannan well and truly back into his box, before he’d had enough and made a swift exit at half-time, just before the travelling supporters shuffled quickly out.

Slater’s display was full of energy and a willingness to drive forward, to take the ball high and create, Seri allowed him to do that by just sitting deep and protecting, on the off chance Wednesday found a way in City’s half, something that happened about three times in the game.

His performance was summed up in a nutshell by the driving run before feeding Ozan to unleash a stunning goal to make it 2-1 just before the hour.

Fifty grand eh?

Twine’s delight

Scott Twine’s arrival at City is understood to be close with the Burnley man expected at Cottingham early next week to complete the formalities of his move from Turf Moor.

No doubt, the 24-year-old would have been watching on with a sense of excitement about what fun he could have in that side, when they purr as they did on Saturday.

Yes, Wednesday were a mess, but let’s take nothing away from the way City tore them to pieces, and with a player of Twine’s calibre coming into it, there should be real excitement.

The challenge for Liam Rosenior is to find a slot.

Terrific Tufan

On his day, there’s few better than Ozan Tufan at this level. It took a while for the Turkish international to feel his way into the contest, but when he did, boy were the results devastating.

Last week at Carrow Road, Tufan found it tough to get into the game, but here, he was electric. Wednesday had no idea how to get close to him, and we saw the best from him.

His fitness has improved tenfold, and now we’re seeing his desire to track back and help his team on the edge of his own box while going the other way, he’s a real threat.

When it comes to those big moments from 12-yards, there’s nobody in the team you’d rather have taking a penalty kick and he showed why.

He’s got ice in his veins.

Good backing

A fair bit of consternation was generated by the reaction to City’s embarrassing cup defeat on Tuesday night, and genuine concern about the reaction against Wednesday, if things didn’t go well.

When fans boo a League Cup performance before there’s been a home league game, there’s little wriggle room thereafter, but Rosenior’s side grappled with the setback of falling behind and they responded brilliantly.

The supporters from the get-go were right behind them throughout, and it made the MKM a cauldron of noise and there’s no doubt it helped the team.

Referee

Once again, we’re talking about refereeing decisions. That’s two league games and two contentious decisions that have led directly to goals.

Look, on both occasions, City haven’t covered themselves in glory with their defending and that’s something they can control, but the poor decision-making from the officials can be.

Stop messing about and get VAR in the Championship and these shockers do not happen. There is far too much at stake in this league to keep having such rank bad decisions.

Time to build

This result was the perfect settler after a difficult week. We’re only about to embark upon the second week of a nine-month season, but to have such a dominant, convincing performance so early is hugely encouraging.