MANCHESTER: Manchester City got its Champions League qualification hopes back on track by beating English Premier League struggler Hull 3-1 on Saturday.

A stunning team move finished by Sergio Aguero and a Fabian Delph strike ensured City ended a run of four EPL games without a win after an Ahmed Elmohamady own goal gave it the lead.

Having been effectively eliminated from the title race by its defeat to leader Chelsea on Wednesday, City's focus is on securing qualification for Europe's top competition next season.

Despite the defeat, Hull remained two points clear of the relegation zone, as its chief relegation-threatened rival Swansea also lost at West Ham.

Hull managed to contain City early on but came unstuck in the 31st minute when makeshift right back Jesus Navas' cross evaded Aguero, but was poked into his own net by Elmohamady under pressure from Leroy Sane at the back post.

The hosts doubled their lead after halftime with a stunning team move, during which every City player touched the ball.

With recalled goalkeeper Claudio Bravo having held possession moments earlier, the ball found its way to Raheem Sterling in the final third, and he burst into the Hull box and centered for Aguero to score.

Any remaining doubts were put aside in the 64th when Delph punctuated a second consecutive EPL start with a fine drive from the edge of the box.

Hull grabbed a late consolation when substitute Shaun Maloney set up Andrea Ranocchia to finish from close range five minutes from time.