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Noni Madueke of Arsenal fails to convert a chance going around Konstantinos Tzolakis of Hull City(Image: Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard's late strike proved decisive in denying Hull City a battling point against Arsenal at the Emirates.
City were largely comfortable in a goalless first period, and while Kostas Tzolakis made a couple of smart saves towards the end of the half, the visitors were not without their own chances. John Egan at the start headed wide, and Elliot Stroud saw a shot beaten away by David Raya.
The moment of jeopardy came just before the break when referee Farai Hallam stopped play before going over to the VAR monitor to check on a Nobel Mendy foul on Kai Havertz. After review, it was deemed the German was offside, and City escaped.
It took 72 minutes for Odegaard to turn in after Tzolakis had beaten away Noni Madueke's effort, which sealed victory for the hosts.
Here's how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at the Emirates....
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Konstantinos Tzolakis: Had nothing to do early on, before a couple of smart saves just before half-time as Arsenal came on strong. Made two of three terrific saves in the second period, and was unlucky with the winning goal, though will feel he could perhaps of done better initially, but a fine display aside from that one moment. 8/10
Elliot Stroud: Had a sticky start up against Noni Madueke who was enjoying a bit of freedom, but gradually got to grips with things as the half wore on. Almost got himself a goal but Raya repelled his goal-bound effort. Won't want to see Madueke again too soon. 6.5/10
Nobel Mendy: Took the kick-off which caught everyone by surprise, and looked much sharper early on than against Ipswich, but then got away with one. He dragged back Havertz inside the box before the break, which eventually went to VAR review. Luckily, Havertz was given offside, and Mendy escaped. 7/10
Semi Ajayi: Made a return to his former stomping ground, and seemed to relish the battle. Made a vital block on Havertz just before the break when he was facing down on goal. Was excellent all afternoon, summed up by one marauding gallop across the field before he sat on the deck and then needed to be replaced. City will hope that issue is not serious. 8/10
John Egan: Had a good chance in the opening couple of moments, but headed into the side netting. You could see his frustration afterwards, as he ran back to his own half, head in hands. Was excellent all afternoon until he was caught on his heels when Odegaard slid past him to score. 7/10
Lewie Coyle: Surely a proud moment for the skipper, leading out his hometown club at the home of the champions in the Premier League. Kept Tzokis quiet in the first half, made a rasping challenge to stop an Arsenal break which the away fans loved. Booked moments later for dragging back the Greek international. Did catch Tzolis and then was taken off. 8/10
Regan Slater: Plenty of energy in the first period as he tried to keep tabs on Rice, Guimaraes and Odegaard. Was often tasked with trying to push forward and break the press. Was pushing into stoppage time to try and create something for his side. 7/10
Lucas Gourna-Douath: His first start since the draw with Aston Villa and settled in quickly to his surroundings, in the middle of the park alongside Iroegbunam and Slater. Picked up a booking for a second-half foul on Calafiori. A really decent showing which should give him confidence moving forward. 7/10
Tim Iroegbunam: Saw a goal-bound effort blocked in the first half. Had to remain switched on, especially when committing to go forward with Arsenal quick in transition. Ran out of steam in the second period, having covered an awful lot of ground. 7/10
Mohamed-Ali Cho: A first Premier League start for Cho, who was deployed in front, and he had moments in the first period. Always looked a threat in behind. Had a chance in the second half on the break, but seemingly ran out of gas before coming off. A good showing. 7/10
Oli McBurnie: Ran his socks off in the first half, winning his side a couple of corners through his tenacity, and though he never had a chance in the game, you couldn't fault his work rate. 7/10
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (For Coyle 60): Against his former club, he was booked inside 30 seconds or so for catching Tzolis late. Got forward well as the game wore on, and tried to fashion something. 6/10
Joe Gelhardt (for Cho 60): Looked a threat in behind, and teed up the on-rushing Gourna who saw a cross saved at the near post by Raya. Had a couple of moments but saw his path to goal closed. 6/10
Lucas Herrington for Ajayi 69): A tough baptism of fire, coming on moments before the opening goal. Looked confident, and another useful outing in the Premier League for the teenager. 6/10
Christos Mouzakitis (for Iroegbunam 73): Good to see him make his Premier League debut, even though he struggled to get on the ball in the final stages of the game. 6/10
Ryan Giles (for Stroud 73): Got himself forward well late on and put in a couple of decent deliveries as City pushed for a late equaliser. 6/10