Alex Iwobi gave Arsenal a 1-0 lead away against Hull. It was the young forward’s first goal of the season.
Arsenal seem to be moving into gear after a slow start to the season. The Gunners lost their season opener 4-3 against Liverpool, before drawing their second match against Leicester. They now look set for their third win in a row after beating Watford and Southampton.
Iwobi put his side in front in the 18th minute at the KCOM Stadium. It wasn’t the prettiest goal you’ll ever see, but given Arsenal’s struggles to create clearcut chances so far this season, it will come as a relief to manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal are coming off a midweek Champions League draw with PSG, in which Alexis Sanchez equalized for the Gunners after they fell behind early to an Edinson Cavani header. It was a good result in a very difficult away game, and it seems to have given them confidence going into the weekend.
A win against Hull would leave Arsenal on 10 points from their opening five games, level with Liverpool, who beat Chelsea last night. That average is typically good enough for a top four finish, but there is going to be plenty of competition for those places this season. Arsenal will be battling with Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and seemingly Everton for a spot in the Champions League.
Hull seem to be cooling off after a hot start. A loss would leave them with seven points from five games. Not great, but still much better than anyone was expecting to begin the season. If the Tigers manage to avoid relegation the season will be a success, so they’ve gotten off to a good start.
Manager Mike Phelan has set up a defensively solid team with a few match-winners further up the pitch. Robert Snodgrass has been their standout player so far.