Martin Odegaard’s late finish earned Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hull City at Emirates Stadium and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points.
Mikel Arteta made six changes to the team that beat Liverpool 1-0 last weekend, but Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm against Hull, who were searching for their first win since August.
The visitors made the brighter start. John Egan met an early cross into the penalty area, but his effort flew into the side-netting within minutes of kick-off.
Arsenal should have gone ahead six minutes into the match when Gabriel arrived at the back post to meet a dangerous delivery, only to fail to turn it home.
Instead, Hull continued to pose a threat on the break. Oli McBurnie released Elliot Stroud, whose attempt required a save from David Raya, while Arsenal’s passing repeatedly let them down.
Declan Rice and Christos Tzolis both had opportunities to give the hosts the lead before half-time. However, the main talking point of the opening period came when Nobel Mendy pulled Kai Havertz’s shirt inside the penalty area as the Arsenal forward attempted to reach the ball.
Play was stopped after a delay when referee Farai Hallam was advised by VAR to review the incident. Despite the contact, the decision went against Havertz because he had been offside before the foul. The call was met with disbelief by the home supporters and Havertz.
Arsenal improved after the interval, with Noni Madueke providing their main attacking threat. Madueke had not been selected by Thomas Tuchel for England’s international break, but responded with a lively display and forced Konstantinos Tzolakis into a save.
He then played a key role in the decisive moment. His initial effort was kept out, but Odegaard reacted quickest, chasing down the loose ball before poking it into the net.
The goal was the Norway international’s second league goal of the season and finally rewarded Arsenal’s pressure, although Hull continued to hold firm for much of the game.
There was late controversy when substitute Eberechi Eze and Madueke both went down inside the Hull penalty area during stoppage time. The referee waved away the appeals, and VAR did not intervene.
The result leaves Arsenal six points clear at the summit, while Hull have now gone nine matches in all competitions without a win. Pressure is increasing on manager Sergej Jakirovic.
Arsenal’s next match after the international break is away to Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle United. Hull City will host Brighton & Hove Albion at the MKM Stadium.
