Martin Odegaard delivered the decisive moment to give Arsenal a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Hull City at the Emirates Stadium, extending the Premier League leaders' advantage to six points.

Hull defended with discipline and determination for more than an hour, frustrating the hosts and limiting their openings. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute when Odegaard reacted with the sharpest instincts to convert a rebound after Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis had pushed away a shot from Noni Madueke.

Hull's stubborn resistance

The Tigers made life difficult from the first whistle. Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm in the final third throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Kai Havertz squandering a one-on-one opportunity and Christos Tzolis also failing to make the most of his chances.

The home side were further frustrated when a VAR review ruled out a penalty claim. Havertz was adjudged to have been in an offside position in the moment Nobel Mendy pulled his shirt, denying Arsenal what could have been a first-half lead.

Hull also went close at the other end, with Elliot Stroud forcing a full-stretch save from David Raya in a reminder that the visitors were more than capable of causing an upset on the day.

Arsenal turn up the heat

The Gunners grew sharper after the interval, increasing their pressure until Hull's defensive wall finally gave way. When Tzolakis parried Madueke's effort, Odegaard arrived on the scene to sweep in the rebound and settle the contest.

The goal was Odegaard's first since a run of four strikes in five matches between August and September — a timely return to scoring form for the Arsenal captain. The victory moves Arsenal six points clear at the summit ahead of Manchester City's fixture against Nottingham Forest.