Arsenal player ratings vs Hull: 8/10 masterclass in jittery Gunners victory

It was a hard-fought occasion for the Gunners, who found Hull a tough nut to crack and for more than 70 minutes were kept at bay.

But Odegaard followed in after Noni Madueke’s shot was saved and that proved enough for victory, as the champions moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League for the time being.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

Stalwart: Ezri Konsa

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David Raya 6

Not entirely convincing with one or two crosses that were put on top of him and pushed one shot straight into a dangerous area. Faced two shots on target - a busy afternoon by his standards.

Jurrien Timber 7

Did a decent Riccardo Calafiori impression, popping up all over the pitch. Great energy and should have had an assist with perfect cross for Tzolis. Relationship with Noni Madueke still needs work, often on wrong wavelength.

Ezri Konsa 7

Rock solid once again. Made a crucial block to deflect Mohamed Cho’s shot wide as Hull broke into the box. Made seven clearances, so often in the right place as Hull swung balls into the box.

Gabriel 6

Not quite at his imperious best. Shrugged off the ball on halfway as the visitors countered and needed Konsa to bail him out. Still enough of a presence to help Arsenal to another clean sheet and another narrow win.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

One really loose moment on the ball that played Arsenal into trouble. Otherwise no real scares but does feel like his attacking threat has dipped in the last few matches. Not quite as obvious a presence going forward.

Declan Rice 6

Sense that he lacked some of his usual energy. Went close from distance twice but also had some sloppy moments in possession. Little sign of his trademark driving runs. Telling he was withdrawn after an hour.

Improvement: Bruno Guimaraes

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Bruno Guimaraes 7

One of his better starts in an Arsenal shirt. Kept trying to force the ball between the lines and was really positive in his decision-making. Lovely combinations with Odegaard and so composed under pressure in the build-up.

Noni Madueke 7

Constant threat down the right in the first half. Pinpoint crosses for Konsa and Rice. More chaotic after the break, for good and bad, but he still ran Hull ragged and his shot then led to the deadlock being broken. Should have put match to bed but fluffed his lines trying to round the keeper.

Martin Odegaard 8

Led from the front with a timely winner, following in on the rebound and converting. Had some real moments of quality before that too, sliding in Tzolis to win a dangerous free-kick and then slipping Havertz in behind. Deserved better from his attackers.

Toothless: Kai Havertz

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Christos Tzolis 5

Looked sharp at Anfield but this was a big step back. Wasted two dangerous counters with poor decisions and heavy touches. Quality in the final third was sorely lacking. Improved slightly in the second half but more needed than just lots of work-rate.

Kai Havertz 4

Terrible lack of ruthless intent. Tried to cut back onto his left foot when clean through and the chance went. Offside three times before half-time. Really frustrating and now faces a battle to keep his place.

Substitutes:

Mikel Merino (Rice 62’) 6

Can be slow on the ball but that was not an issue once Arsenal took the lead. Played one gorgeous flick through to Madueke late on.

Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 62’) 7

Offered much more than Havertz, holding the ball up and providing an outlet down the channels. He’s giving Arteta a selection headache.

Eberechi Eze (Tzolis 69’) 6

Had some openings on the edge of the box that he could have made more of. Not enough conviction.

Piero Hincapie (Calafiori 69’) 7

Huge defensive effort in the final 20 minutes, gave Hull nothing down that side. Really impressive cameo.