Odegaard’s Late Strike Keeps Arsenal Six Points ClearSports

The breakthrough finally came from the right flank. Noni Madueke worked his way into space inside the area and drove a low shot towards the near post. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis got a hand to the effort but could only push it back into the danger zone, and Odegaard was first to react, poking the loose ball home from close range.

It was the captain’s first goal since September, and it arrived at exactly the moment Arsenal needed it most. The Gunners had looked tired and short of ideas for long spells, but their persistence paid off once again, as it has done so often this season.

There had been an earlier flashpoint in the first half when Kai Havertz appeared to have won a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR review found the German forward offside in the build-up. Arsenal kept pushing, and Madueke twice tested Tzolakis before the goal finally came.

The win was Arsenal’s ninth in ten league games this season and their fifth in a row. It took Mikel Arteta’s side to 27 points, six ahead of Manchester City, who were due to play Nottingham Forest later on Saturday. It was also a seventh clean sheet in ten league matches, and the club’s 34th win by a 1-0 scoreline under Arteta.

Hull, meanwhile, were left to reflect on what might have been. The promoted side defended with discipline for most of the afternoon and were seconds away from a famous point, but they are now without a win in eight league games after a bright start to the season.

For Arsenal, the result means they will stay top of the table through the international break. Their next league match is away to Newcastle United on Saturday, November 21, and Arteta will hope the break gives his players the rest they looked badly in need of against Hull.