Arsenal v Hull City: Arsenal Defense Incredibly Thin

By Josh Sippie | Oct 17, 2014

Fresh off of international break, Arsenal v Hull City is a match up that should bring back plenty of memories. Not so long ago (May to be exact) Arsenal were on the precipice of their first trophy in 9 years when Hull went up 2-0 early in the FA Cup final. Fortunately for the Gunners (and Arsene Wenger), they fought back and Aaron Ramsey capped off the beautiful comeback with a goal in extra time to secure a 3-2 win.

And now they square up again on Saturday.

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The first thing that begs to be noticed is that Arsenal are incredibly thin at defense. They have to start Nacho Monreal (oh dear) in center because they literally have no other options. Bellerin will start at right back because…. we have no other options. Chambers is suspended and Kocielny is hurt.

In their previous match, Hull employed a 3-5-2 formation, which would be good and bad if used again.

The Good? Having two strikers against a painfully undersized Arsenal back four could produce a lot of pressure.

The Bad? The last time Arsenal faced a three-man back line, Danny Welbeck had himself a feast of epic proportions.

I expect an Arsenal win (thinking a nerve-wracking 2-1 line, depending on Hull’s tactics), but that doesn’t mean this game won’t be incredibly, dare I say nerve-wracking again? Hull is a much-improved side and Arsenal have more injuries than you can shake a stick at (whatever that really means), but with Alexis Sanchez, the Ox, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck propelling the attack, Arsenal will score, I guarantee it (always be wary of guarantees in sports).

The Premier League is back! International break only claimed two Gunners this time. Let’s get back to our winning ways!

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