Arsenal vs Hull: Odegaard spares Gunners blushes to keep Man City at bay

Martin Ødegaard’s second-half strike rescued Arsenal from a potential banana skin as the Gunners ground out a hard-fought win.

The hosts dominated possession and territory but found Hull’s organised defence difficult to break down in a frustrating first half.

Kai Havertz thought he had won a penalty after being pulled back, only for VAR to rule him offside.

Declan Rice and Christos Tzolis both forced saves from Konstantinos Tzolakis, yet the visitors reached the interval level.

Mikel Arteta made changes after the break, introducing Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapié.

The pressure eventually told in the 72nd minute. Noni Madueke cut inside from the right and forced a low save from Tzolakis.

The rebound fell kindly for captain Ødegaard, who reacted quickest to prod the ball home from close range.

The result maintained Arsenal’s perfect home record this season and kept Manchester City at arm’s length in the title race, sitting 6 points behind.