Martin Odegaard's goal midway through the second half secured a tense 1-0 victory for Arsenal against newly-promoted Hull City at the Emirates Stadium, moving Mikel Arteta's side six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The opening 45 minutes proved frustrating for the home team, whose best chance of breaking the deadlock appeared to be from the penalty spot. However, two penalty shouts were waved away by the referee, including one that looked set to be given until Farai Hallam announced Kai Havertz had been offside in the build-up.
Second-Half Breakthrough
Hull's commitment to defending deep continued into the second half, and it was ultimately a mistake that proved decisive. Konstantinos Tzolakis failed to hold Noni Madueke's shot, allowing Odegaard to sneak in and net the opener.
It was not pretty from the home side, but the result represents another three points in the club's pursuit of a first-ever retained Premier League title.
Player Ratings
David Raya - 6: Made two fine saves in the opening 45 minutes and was otherwise solid whenever Hull ventured forward.
Jurrien Timber - 5: Was a big miss at times last season, even though Arsenal were crowned champions. He is yet to reach those heights this time around.
Ezri Konsa - 6: Ought to have done better with a first-half header, but gave as good as he got during a physical afternoon.
Gabriel - 7: Has barely dropped a beat while William Saliba has been out with injury, stepping into the Frenchman's shoes and then some.
Riccardo Calafiori - 5: Usually a bigger threat in the opposition half, but there was no space for the Italian to make his trademark runs. Hooked when Arsenal needed a goal.
Declan Rice - 5: Had a couple of potshots from range in the first half, plus a header on target. Didn't do enough and was hooked just after the hour mark.
Bruno Guimaraes - 7: Found space at the edge of the box on more than one occasion but couldn't find the finishing touch. His energy and determination in midfield were crucial, and he justifiably received a standing ovation after being subbed late on.
Martin Odegaard - 7: Was the player Arsenal looked to play through, but found it hard against such a deep backline. In the end, a ghosting run into the Hull box proved the difference.
Noni Madueke - 6: Couldn't steady himself in time after being slipped through and was wasteful at other times. His shot led to the opening goal, and he was a constant threat on the left. A mixed bag.
Kai Havertz - 4: Thought he'd done enough to earn a penalty but had gone too early with his run. A dodgy touch let him down when played through on goal. He was pretty woeful here.
Christos Tzolis - 5: Offered plenty of industry on the left-hand side but ultimately lacked the required quality. He has struggled to replicate his bright start to the season.
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres - 6: Much more suited to this type of game against a physical backline, immediately giving the Hull players something to think about.
Mikel Merino - 6: Didn't offer much, but by the same token, didn't do much wrong.
Eberechi Eze - 5: Added an initial spark following his introduction but let himself down with some clunky touches as the game became more stretched.
Piero Hincapie - 6: Coped well with the physicality.
