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place
- Emirates Stadium
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referee
- You will make Hallam
Martin Odegaard 72′
Martin Odegaard scored a second-half winner as arsenal beat a stubborn City of Hull to secure a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium and move six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners captain broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, reacting quicker after Noni Madueke’s powerful effort was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession but were repeatedly frustrated by the visitors, who produced an impressive defensive performance and threatened to cause an upset.
However, Arsenal finally found a way to extend their lead over Manchester City, who face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Hull frustrate Arsenal in competitive first half
Hull started confidently and almost stunned the Emirates crowd in the first two minutes.
Regan Slater curled in an inviting corner towards the back post, where John Egan rose higher but could only direct his header into the side netting.
Arsenal gradually established control of possession, with Madueke looking particularly dangerous down the right flank.
The England international flicked an early cross towards Ezri Konsa, whose touch sent the ball wide of the goal, but Gabriel was unable to apply the finishing touch.
Hull continued to cause problems on the counter attack and created another excellent chance in the 19th minute.
Oli McBurnie brought down Elliot Stroud in the penalty area and the full-back forced David Raya into a smart save from a tight angle.
Tim Iroegbunam reacted quicker to the rebound but Declan Rice made a crucial challenge to prevent the midfielder from converting.
Rice then went close at the other end when he collected a loose ball outside the penalty area and sent a powerful effort narrowly wide of the post.
Christos Tzolis forced Tzolakis into a comfortable save with a header before firing over the bar after Jurrien Timber’s excellent cross.
arsenal
City of Hull
The biggest talking point of the game came shortly before half-time when Kai Havertz went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Nobel Mendy.
Replays showed the Hull defender pulling the German’s shirt, prompting VAR to recommend an on-field review.
However, the referees later identified Havertz in an offside position during the build-up, meaning no penalty could be awarded.
Arsenal almost broke the deadlock in stoppage time when Madueke sent a cross towards Rice, but the midfielder’s header was comfortably held by Tzolakis.
Odegaard makes a big breakthrough
Arsenal emerged with more attacking urgency after the restart, although Hull continued to threaten whenever they regained possession.
Mohamed-Ali Cho led a dangerous counter-attack after some excellent holding play from McBurnie, but Konsa produced an important sliding block to deny the visitors.
Madueke continued to be Arsenal’s most threatening player and forced Tzolakis into an excellent save in the 57th minute.
The winger took possession down the right before driving a powerful effort towards goal with his weaker foot, but the Hull keeper reacted brilliantly to keep the scores level.
Tzolis then tried his luck from the edge of the box, only for Tzolakis to make another smart save.
Arteta responded by introducing Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino in place of Havertz and Rice, before bringing on Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.
The changes gave Arsenal new impetus, and the home side continued to increase the pressure on Hull’s defence.
Eze fired over from distance after receiving a dangerous cross from Hincapie, while the visitors were forced into a defensive substitution when Semi Ajayi was injured.
Arsenal’s persistence finally paid off in the 72nd minute.
Madueke powered another powerful shot towards goal, forcing Tzolakis to save the ball in a dangerous area.
Odegaard reacted quicker inside the penalty area and calmly guided a right-footed shot into the net to give the home side a deserved lead.
Premier League table
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position 1, 2, 3, 4: Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
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position 5: Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
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position 18, 19, 20: Relegation – Championship
Merino almost doubled Arsenal’s lead six minutes later when he unleashed a powerful effort into the bottom corner, but Tzolakis made another superb save.
Gyokeres also tested the keeper with a low strike as Arsenal looked for a second goal to put the game beyond doubt.
The home side should have added another in the 87th minute after some brilliant attacking play from Gyokeres, Eze and Merino.
Madueke was played through on goal and cleverly rounded Tzolakis, but the keeper managed to get a foot on the ball before Brooke Norton-Cuffy raced to clear off the line.
Hull went ahead in stoppage time and threatened briefly when Slater found space inside the penalty area, but Gabriel produced an excellent recovery challenge to force him away from goal.
Upcoming matches for Arsenal and Hull City
