Alexis Sanchez scored a controversial goal as Arsenal held on to beat Hull City 2-0 in a tight encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Chilean netted home from the goalmouth in the 34th minute, following a scramble, to give Arsenal the lead, but replays showed the ball went in off his hand and perhaps should have been chalked off. It was another off-colour display from Arsenal, with Hull City offering a threat throughout the first half, but when the half ended the scoreline remained 1-0.
Hull winger Lazar Markovic was a threat throughout and had been sent through on goal in the second half before being bundled over by left-back Kieran Gibbs, who was the last man. Surprisingly, the left-back escaped with just a yellow card. Petr Cech was then forced into making two good saves from Oumar Niasse to preserve Arsenal’s slender lead, but a late counter-attack from the Gunners, led to Sam Clucas handling the ball on the goal-line after a Lucas Perez header, for which a penalty was awarded and the Hull midfielder was sent off and Sanchez stepped up to dispatch the penalty in stoppage time to seal the three points for the Gunners.
With the win, Arsenal went up to the third place in the league standings overtaking Manchester City at least until the Citizens’ fixture tomorrow. It wasn’t a vintage performance from the Gunners, but they did just enough to hold on and here we take a look at how each player fared on the day:
Petr Cech – 7/10
Looked nervy with the ball at his feet. But was largely untroubled throughout the game. Made two good saves from Niasse to protect his team’s lead.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
Did his job well in defence and was a constant outlet for Arsenal in attack. Hit a shot wide after a lovely one-two in the first half. Grew tired as the game wore, but put in a good display.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
Was caught out of possession at times with Niasse’s movement at times, but remained composed. Excellent in the air, won all his tackles on the day. Overall a solid showing.
Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
Led excellently from the back. Worked tirelessly for his team, made some crucial tackles and covered well for Mustafi. But was troubled on occasions by the trickery of Markovic.
Kieran Gibbs – 5/10
It was his shot that was cleared into the path of Sanchez for the opener. But was constantly beaten for pace by Markovic and was lucky not to see the red card for his challenge on the loanee from Liverpool.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7/10
Put in an improved display compared to last week’s game. Was always available for a pass for his teammates, used the ball cleverly and linked up the play well. Surprising to see him subbed off with 10 minutes left.
Francis Coquelin – 6/10
Went about his job well in the middle of the park. Broke up several Hull attacks and shielded his defence well. However, his use of the possession left a lot to be desired.
Theo Walcott – 5/10
Lacked the threat and the menace in front of goal. Had a few shots blocked, but was largely ineffective and was rightly withdrawn past the hour mark. Wait for his 100th Arsenal goal continues.
Mesut Ozil – 4/10
Should have had a shot at goal from a dangerous position but missed. Should have done better with his volleyed effort after good work from Sanchez in the 24th minute. Passes were misplaced, effort was not there. Another lacklustre display from the German who looks like he is extremely short on confidence.
Alex Iwobi – 5/10
Lost possession too easily to Markovic which almost led to a goal. Showed a few glimpses of quality, but lacked the end product. Toothless display.
Alexis Sanchez – 8/10
Hit a tame effort straight at Jakupovic in the 8th minute. Should have put Arsenal ahead in the 15th minute but hit his shot wide of goal. Scored in the 33rd minute from close range and made no mistake from the spot in the dying minutes of the game. A relentless and energetic display from the Chilean, who was the driving force behind the Gunners.
Substitutes
Mohammed Elneny – 6/10
Replaced Walcott in the 68th minute and solidified the middle. Completed all his passes on the evening, calm and composed.
Lucas Perez – NA
Came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 82nd minute. His goal-bound header led to the penalty.
Danny Welbeck – NA
Replaced Iwobi with less than 10 minutes left.
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