In what could have been a tricky encounter, Arsenal fired past newly promoted Hull City 4-1 away at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners went in front after just 17 minutes as Alexis Sanchez deflected Alex Iwobi’s shot into the net.
Arsenal made a numerical advantage count after the restart with Theo Walcott doubling their lead thanks to another deflection.
Hull got back into the game through star man Robert Snodgrass but late goals from Sanchez and a first for Arsenal by Granit Xhaka added gloss to the scoreline.
Hull City
Eldin Jakupovic – 6: The Hull number one can not be blamed for any of the goals and produced a fine save to deny Sanchez from 12 yards.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 5: Started the match well but fizzled out in the second half and failed to provide an out ball for his fellow defenders.
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Jake Livermore – 4: Had looked solid in his new position in recent weeks but struggled against Arsenal’s pacey front line. His error led to his side being down to 10 men for most of the match.
Curtis Davies – 6: Despite conceding four goals, the former Birmingham City man did his push for an England debut no harm.
Andy Robertson – 5: By his usually high standards, Hull’s young full-back was not at his best but he showed glimpses when forward.
Tom Huddlestone – 5: Failed to control the crucial midfield battle and at times looked overrun by his opponents.
Sam Clucas – 6: Played his trademark high tempo game, putting pressure on Arsenal in possession. Arguably Hull’s best player after being named man of the match by the club.
David Meyler – 5: Gave his best in a losing battle but lacked the ability on the ball to really test out the Arsenal midfield.
Robert Snodgrass – 6: Continued his fine start to the season as he, at times, carried his team through the game and scored a neat penalty.
Abel Hernandez – 5: Tested Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal at times but did not have the service.
Adama Diomande – 5: Gave his all for the side but did not make any real impact going forward alongside Hernandez.
Substitutes
Harry Maguire – 5: Came on after the sending off to give Hull defensive cover but was exposed in the second half.
Ryan Mason – 6: Showed promise on his home debut and looks a fine signing.
Dieumerci Mbokani – 5: Had little time on the pitch but his physical presence gave Arsenal a new problem to deal with.
Arsenal
Petr Cech – 5: In a game when he had little to do, the veteran goalkeeper was solid enough but did concede the Hull penalty to give them a lifeline.
Hector Bellerin – 7: Continues to impress for Arsenal and pushed Hull’s attacking players back towards their own box.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7: Built on his solid debut last week with an impressive display and looks settled alongside Laurent Koscielny.
Laurent Koscielny – 7: The French international was on form yet again and looked assured throughout the match.
Nacho Monreal – 6: Not as impressive as Bellerin on the other flank, but was solid enough for the visitors and rarely gave the ball away.
Francis Conquelin – 7: Once again excelled as a shield in front of his defence and was even effective going forward at times.
Santi Cazorla – 7: Controlled the game with ease from the centre of the park and perhaps should have taken the penalty which Sanchez missed.
Mesut Ozil – 6: Signs that the World Cup winner is getting back to his best after a slow start to the season but he is still a touch off the pace, giving the ball away at times.
Theo Walcott – 7: Scored a well stuck goal and provided an attacking outlet to his side.
Alex Iwobi – 8: Despite the star names around him, the youngster was Arsenal’s best player on the day. He was a constant threat and provided two key assists for his side.
Alexis Sanchez – 7: Looked bright throughout the match and was rewarded with two goals but did see his penalty saved before half time.
Substitutes
Granit Xhaka – 7: Made a real case to get his starting position back in the side with a strong performance capped with a first goal for the club.
Mohamed Elneny – 6: Came on late to settle his team down and close out the match which he did well.
Lucas Perez – 5: Had no real time to impress after his disappointing debut last week.
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