Hull vs Arsenal match report

The opening game of season 2 kicked of last night in TTF, Hull Tigers vs Arsenal at the KC Stadium this fixture is becoming some what of a bogey one for Arsenal. Famously knocked out of the Cup semis 2-0 under previous management. So new season, new faces as desperate Dom previously of Coventry now stood in the Hull dugout. Its rumoured he camped outside the KC stadium keeping other interested managers at bay until he was offered a interview.

So Arsenal's record vs Hull P3 W1 D1 L1....

Arsenal lined up strongly, manager Ben Clifford having the nice option of every player being fit and ready. Arsenal lined up with Lloris 92, Walker 91 , Godin 94 , Azpilicueta 92 (Dave) Kolasinac 90 , Matic 93, Alderweireld 92 , Neymar 96 , Eriksen 92 , Mbappe 91 and Lacazette 92.

Hull took the game to Arsenal almost immediately, Hulk looking particularly dangerous missing a few chances whilst also turning provider setting up a good few one on ones with Arsenal's world cup finalist Lloris. Sure enough Dom's dominance paid of in the 26th minute, Hulk who had been looking so sharp and dangerous in the opening exchanges popped up and hit a sweet low drilled shot into Lloris' bottom left hand corner, Hull new boy Coman with the nicely timed assist.

Surly Arsenal had had the wake up call they needed ? Hull looked faster and stronger for the first 26 minutes and rightly had their lead. Que the 38th minute sloppy play from Godin lead to a Hull free kick 18 yards from goal. Hulk probably the last person Arsenal manager and fans wanted to see step up. The end result 2-0 Hull City. Another season of underwhelming performances against average, possibly relegation standard sides loomed.

Half time approached with little to no Arsenal intent Neymar looked like he wanted to be someone else and Arsenal who have been accused of lacking midfield talent looked to be proving those specialist pundits right.

2nd Half

Arsenal had a rocket up somewhere at half time it seemed, coming out the traps in the second half very much a case of a little late. The French connection of Mbappe and Lacazette seemed to be picking up pace both providing the other with chances, Arsenal finally getting a sniff at goal.

Then the 59th minute came along and Hull manager Dom's dirty tactics came to light. Ivanovic purposely elbowing Eriksen to the face. The ref correctly positioned took action in the form of a straight red card and rightly so. With Hull down to 10men the pressure was on, if it wasn't before Arsenal needed to deliver something.

Mbappe the young gun signed from West Ham making his debut for the gunners delivered in the 66th Minute, such young shoulders leading the line, Brazilian Neymar finally did something of note hitting a nicely weighted pass into the path of the young French man, Mbappe making no error in finishing cooly from 10 yards. Hull 2-1 Arsenal .

Arsenal now needed to apply the pressure Hull dropping deeper and deeper as the match went on. Manager Ben Clifford had seen enough of Neymar, taking him of for young German Sane who has caught a few eyes in pre season. In the 80th minute the manager proved that his decision making can sometimes be on the money. Sane delivering a nicely lofted free kick into the Hull box a scramble in the air commenced with Arsenal powerhouse Matic rising highest to nod the ball past the on coming Hull keeper into the net. Hull 2-2 Arsenal. A winner on the cards ?

Mbappe looked to be getting stronger as the game continued searching for that last glimmer of a chance. One unfortunately did not present itself and a 2-2 draw was how the game ended. Unfair on Hull ? Arsenal Unlucky not to have picked up the 3 points ? See for yourself.

Both managers for all the pre hype ended the game with a friendly handshake. Hull more then look like a side that can compete in Division 1. Whilst Arsenal will have to work harder to break down teams such as Hull this season if they are to realistically be considered contenders for anything. With the "top 6" all dropping some kind of points Arsenal will be feeling a little more at ease tonight knowing a future rival isn't already a couple of points ahead. We already know from Season 1 what a early lead can turn into and what it can mean for managers in the chasing pack. Its clear that this season the fans and board alike demand something worth getting the open top bus out for. Manager Ben Clifford will have to deliver if he is to make it in the game.