Three standout players from Arsenal's slender 1-0 win against Hull City

There were standout players from this Arsenal match even if it was not really a match for the football purists.

For the first 45 minutes, things looked incredibly dull as the Gunners tried and failed miserably to get past a staunch Hull City defence. If anything, the visitors had seemed more likely to find a goal by the time the whistle sounded.

But the home backline stood firm – as it so often does – to keep them out and, finally, one man tried his luck by SHOOTING (thank you, Noni Madueke) which ultimately resulted in the only goal of a poor game.

Three standout Arsenal players from their narrow 1-0 victory over Hull City

From a bright spark up front to yet more impressive rearguard action, here are the standout Arsenal players after their 1-0 win against Hull City.

Standout #1: Noni Madueke

More than 12 months on from his arrival, Noni Madueke is showing the world just why Arsenal were keen to buy him.

His quality shone through here despite the lack of attacking opportunities against a robust Hull City defence. In possession, he always tried to make things happen or got a cross into the box, while his shot was the one that led to the only goal.

Stats really spell out the extent of his impact: Madueke completed the most successful take-ons (5), most shots (4) and most touches in the opposition box (13). His duel numbers (seven won – again the most of any player) show how also he competed well in a defensive context when put under pressure by the relentless Tigers.

Arteta can wrap him in cotton wool over the next two weeks following his omission from the England squad. Hopefully, this well-earned rest will get him ready to fire on all cylinders again once domestic football returns.

Standout #2: Ezri Konsa

This was the match when Ezri Konsa should have bowed out in place of the returning William Saliba after his injury layoff.

Instead, the Frenchman did not make the squad and fans were treated to yet another masterclass at the back by Konsa. Squawka again illustrate just how good he was in this game, with his five headed clearances and 100% duel record (seven out of seven) doing much to nullify Hull, while four passes into the final third underscore his attacking contributions too.

Though Saliba is first choice, it is near impossible to ignore the current level of performance from the summer recruit. Perhaps the boss will have to wait until rotation or injuries force his hand rather than simply dump Konsa from the first team.

He is a machine in the Arsenal defence.

Standout #3: Jurrien Timber

You expect nothing less from Jurrien Timber, no matter what injury struggles he has had to overcome of late.

Similar to the Konsa/Saliba dilemma, Timber seems to be first choice at RB even if Ben White has not done much wrong. But his performances vindicate that preference as he looked rock solid versus Hull whilst offering a threat down the right flank – could he strike up a flowing partnership with Madueke there?

Bukayo Saka might have something to say about that but no bad words could be said against Timber. His ability to bounce back flawlessly after every layoff is unmatched and it makes him an integral part of this Arsenal team.

People mock Arteta for his defensive obsession but he has blessed the club by signing two top-class names in this position.

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