Fulham press reaction

After seeing his side lose for the fifth time in six games, Manchester City manager was left in no doubt about the frustration among the club's followers after his decision to leave Robinho out of the side for the first time backfired in dramatic circumstances.

As the team was booed off, the Tannoys attempted to whip up some enthusiasm for a quarter-final which will be played out in front of City’s owners.

"Bring your flags, bring your support, bring your banners," the announcer said. On this evidence, they ought to bring their boots.

>>independent.co.uk

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes came under fire from his own disgruntled supporters as his team crashed 3-1 at home to Fulham in the Barclays Premier League.

Hughes took a gamble before kick-off by leaving his £34million Brazilian Robinho on the substitutes’ bench but saw it backfire as his side were outplayed by the London club.

MARK Hughes took the biggest gamble of City career – and came up bust.

As if a 3-1 humbling at the hands of Fulham wasn’t bad enough – the City manager left himself open to yet more criticism by opting to name Robinho on the bench.

Two goals from Clint Dempsey and another from ex Blue Dickson Etuhu ensured another miserable day for Hughes, who is still reeling from the midweek UEFA Cup defeat to Hamburg.

Robinho’s relegation to the substitutes’ bench and City’s dismal performance prompted chants of displeasure from sections of the home supporters, but with the club’s season now seemingly resting the outcome of Thursday’s Uefa Cup second-leg at home to Hamburg, who City trail 3-1, Hughes insisted that he had no option but to gamble on his team selection against Roy Hodgson’s team.