Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard came to the rescue as The Gunners edged Hull City 1-0 and moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta made six changes as he reverted to the side who beat Liverpool 1-0 last weekend, but his players were frustrated for much of the 90 minutes at the Emirates against a side hunting for their first win since August.

It was a positive start from Sergej Jakirovic’s side as John Egan got on the end of a cross into the box before seeing his shot hit the side-netting within minutes of kick-off.

Arsenal could and perhaps should have taken the lead within six minutes when Gabriel arrived late to meet a dangerous cross aimed at the back post but failed to convert.

For much of the game, Arsenal were unable to get into their groove with mishit passes, whilst the visitors looked to surprise their hosts when Oli McBurnie played in Elliot Stroud, who forced a save from David Raya.

Declan Rice and Christos Tzolis had multiple chances to put Arsenal ahead before the break but the talking point of the first half came when Nobel Mendy pulled Kai Havertz’s shirt in the box and stopped him running through onto the ball.

The game was belatedly stopped as referee Farai Hallam was sent to the screen by VAR only to award the visitors a free-kick as Havertz had been offside prior to the foul. Much to the disbelief of the home fans and Havertz.

There was no dwelling from Noni Madueke, who had not been called up by Thomas Tuchel for England’s international break, as he proved the bright spark throughout the game and it was no coincidence when the Arsenal forward tested Konstantinos Tzolakis in goal.

Madueke went on to set up Odegaard to net what proved to be the winning goal.

Although the initial attempt was saved, it was the Norwegian whose determination was clear as he sprinted onto the ball and poked home to claim his second league goal of the season.

There was one final shout for a penalty as substitute Eberechi Eze and Madueke went down in the box in stoppage time – although it was ultimately waved away by the referee and VAR.

Arsenal secured all three points to move six points clear, whilst Hull City remain without a win in their last nine games in all competitions as pressure heightens on boss Jakirovic.

Following the international break, Arsenal will travel to face Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle United, whilst Hull City host Brighton & Hove Albion at the MKM Stadium.