Mikel Arteta’s key resolution as Arsenal overcome controversial name to beat Hull
Mikel Arteta’s key decision helped Arsenal go six points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a controversial call overshadowed the first half
Mikel Arteta’s side have gone six clear at the top of the table(Image: Paul Marriott/Shutterstock)
Mikel Arteta needed to dig deep into his tactical reserves to go six points clear at the summit of the Premier League table. The Gunners overcame a controversial call to best Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal had been frustrated by both the Tigers defence and the officials in north London, before a tweak from the Spanish boss allowed Martin Odegaard to pop up in the box and deliver all three points.
The Gunners spent the first-half frustrated by Hull, who have proved their defensive mettle this season. However, it was overshadowed by a penalty shout that left Arsenal player furious. Kai Havertz was pulled down by Nobel Mendy in the box, with the decision waved away by the on-field official.
Martin Odegaard delivered all three points(Image: Adam Davy/Press Association)
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And VAR decided it was foul, but a penalty was not awarded as Havertz was in an offside position. BBC’s football issues correspondent explained: “That is a very controversial VAR intervention at the Emirates. A player who is in an offside position only becomes active when they commit an offside offence.
“Kai Havertz must be ‘attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball’ – otherwise the shirt pull by Nobel Mendy takes precedence. The foul comes before any offside offence.
“Havertz did not commit an offside offence, and this should have been a spot-kick to Arsenal regardless of the offside.”
Kai Havertz thought he should have been awarded a penalty(Image: X)
Arteta made the bold call to take off Declan Rice, with the more attacking Mikel Merino coming off the bench. It allowed Arsenal to pull and pray the Hull defence, creating more opportunities in the second half.
And it was a chance opportunity that allowed the Gunners to take the lead. Noni Madueke created half a yard on the right wing, and after his shot was spilled Odegaard was on hand to dink the ball into the net.
Hull, however, refused to fold and had an effort cleared off the line as they searched for an unlikely equaliser.
Arsenal will now be looking at Manchester City’s result(Image: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
It’s all eyes on Manchester City now, who can cut the gap back to three points when they travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Enzo Maresca’s side know all the pressure is on them, after losing their last two Premier League encounters with Brighton and Aston Villa.
All roads led to each other after the international break, with the top two set to clash at the Emirates on November 29.
