Kevin Whitcher
The first note I made while watching this game was the Hull elbow that was launched in the direction of Francis Coquelin when a Hull forward went for a ball with the Arsenal midfielder and David Ospina. Alan Parry declared that the keeper had taken Le Coq out, so to speak, but actually it was an indication that the home team were going to try every trick they could get away with in an attempt to stop their opposition.
I was uncertain at the outset whether a draw would suit the home side or whether they really needed to go for the win, given the difficulty of two of their remaining three fixtures and their proximity to the drop zone. The first 15 minutes suggested they were not going to take too many chances to ensure victory. 78% possession for the Gunners said it all. Hull’s twin tactics were to try and beat the Arsenal offside trap with long balls over the top or nick something from a set piece.
There was, on what transpired to be St Totteringham’s Day, a rather delicious combination for Arsenal’s opening goal involving three former Spurs men. Ozil nicked the ball from Tom Huddlestone in midfield, then when he passed to Alexis, the Chilean was taken out by Jake Livermore. It was a yellow card offence, but that would have meant dismissing him, so referee Lee Mason allowed the Tigers to retain their full complement. It mattered not, as Alexis’ free kick took a deflection off the third former Spud in the Hull ranks, Michael Dawson, and entered the net.
The second came soon after, the consequence of a fantastic ball from Cazorla and wonderful control by Aaron Ramsey, who is justifying his selection on the right side of attack with his industry and positioning. Interestingly, he is less of a risk out there, as although he prefers life in the deeper central role, he has a tendency to lose possession there. Unwittingly, he may have found a position where he is of most benefit to the team.
The game was marked by a lot of Hull fouling as a deliberate tactic, but it did them little good. At 2-0 up, Arsenal could continue with their possession game and wait for the chance to pick off their opposition. After both Ozil and Alexis has spurned excellent chances to make it three, just before the interval, Alexis increased the lead after Hull were once again caught dwelling on the ball in midfield. It was a first half characterized by holes being ripped in the home defence.
There was predictably some encouragement after the interval as the Gunners mentally switched off a little, a trait which they need to work on. Still, at 3-0, they could afford to concede one, as Hull lacked quality when opportunities arose fluffing passes and failing to connect properly with headers. And for the goal conceded, there was no doubt the Koscielny was fouled in the build-up, removing him from the defence as Steve Bruce’s side took advantage. Lee Mason hardly covered himself in glory last night, with a later Jack Wilshere goalbound shot blatantly stopped by an outstretched arm and a subsequent shove on him on the edge of the area completely ignored.
Arsenal need to win two of their remaining four matches to guarantee Champions League football without the need for a play-off next season, which could make the difference between signing big names early in the window or waiting until the end of August. In contrast to last season, this one has been an upward curve. They may end up with the same number of points as last season, but there is something more substantial to build on after the summer than in 2014. Performances like the one at Hull give optimism for the future, if the squad can be strengthened appropriately, specifically down the spine.
What occurred in the last half of 2014 is now history, but it is history the club should learn from. Injuries are going to happen, so make sure you have the personnel to cope with them. Then, May performances as good as last night’s will mean a hell of a lot more.
I am now on Twitter@KevinWhitcher01.
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