Martin Ødegaard delivered when his side needed him most, netting the only goal of the game as Arsenal edged past Hull 1-0 to head into the international break sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The captain's finish proved the difference between the two sides in a match Arsenal will be relieved to have won, with the result extending their advantage over their closest title rivals before club football pauses for international fixtures.

Ødegaard's goal — the decisive contribution in a tight contest — underlined the captain's importance to Mikel Arteta's side, who have now put meaningful daylight between themselves and their Premier League challengers.

Arsenal's ability to grind out a narrow win against Hull, even without producing their most fluid football, speaks to the character this squad has developed under Arteta. Championship sides have frequently proved awkward opponents in cup competition, and Hull were no exception.

With the international break now underway, Arsenal's players will disperse to their respective national teams knowing their club sits in an enviable position — four points clear with the second half of the Premier League season still to come.