Arsenal 3 (Denilson 45+4, Eduardo 59, Diaby 80) – Hull City 0
Match Report | Highlights

Manuel Almunia – Much improved from his last showing. Was confident between the sticks and commanded his box with real authority. Wasn’t the busiest of outings for Almunia though he comfortable dealt with all that Hull could muster, including a well-taken spot kick. 7.5

Emmanuel Eboue – Extremely busy at right back this evening. Extremely active in attack, bombing forward and always providing another outlet, and equally as effective in defence. Was more subdued in the second period, but nevertheless an impressive performance. 7.5

William Gallas & Thomas Vermaelen – Neither played had all that much to do in the centre of defence this evening. The odd Hull attack was diffused immediately and with relative ease. This match was really a midfield battle, one that Arsenal eventually won. 7

Mikael Silvestre – Gave away a penalty (harsh, harsh decision), however apart from that he wasn’t half bad. Busier than Vermaelen & Gallas in the centre of defence, and was up to the task more often than not. 7

Denilson – Great free kick for the opening goal and he was everywhere up until that point, however he went a bit quiet afterwards. Still, it was the best performance from the young Brazilian in a long time. He put in a number of nice passes and showed some neat touches, however was a bit pedestrian at times. 7.5

Alex Song – Emerging as one of the most consistent figures in the Arsenal midfield. Song was once again workmanlike today, chasing down every errant ball and constantly pressuring the opposition. One or two stray passes however he showed some great interplay with Diaby for the second goal. One of the key reasons to our victory today. 7.5

Abou Diaby – Shades Alex Song for the man of the match award today. Diaby is a player that epitomises the term ‘hot & cold’. While usually on the cold side of the things, when he’s hot, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Offering power, dynamism and drive in the midfield, Diaby worked his socks of today and more than deserved his (well taken) goal. 8

Samir Nasri – Not much came off for Nasri today. He put in a lot of effort but for little reward. Looked a bit to desperate at times, however it was only with the team’s best interests at heart. In the first half, he looked like one of the few players trying to make a difference. Can contribute more though, but I think today was just an off day for the Frenchman. 6.5

Andrey Arshavin – Was absolutely battered by the Hull defence. Tried his best to forge openings in the Tiger’s backline, but was felled down at nearly every opportunity. Still managed to get himself an assist, putting through Abou Diaby for the Gunners’ third goal. 6.5

Eduardo – Extremely frustrating and often uncharacteristically wastefull performance from Eduardo. He was long overdue a goal today and finally found himself on the scoresheet when he tapped in from point blank range. It was a mis-kick but found its way into the back of the net, and it was exactly what the out-of-sorts Crozilian needs to get back on form. 6

SUBSTITUTES
Ramsey – 7
Walcott – 6
Vela – 6

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