Martin Odegaard rescued Arsenal with a crucial late winner as the Gunners edged past a resolute Hull City at Emirates Stadium, tapping home the rebound after Noni Madueke's shot was parried back into danger by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

It was far from a commanding display from Arsenal, who were frustrated for long stretches by a disciplined Hull side. The hosts felt they were denied a clear penalty in the first half, and that sense of injustice lingered until Odegaard's decisive intervention deep into the second half.

Odegaard and Madueke drive Arsenal's attack

Odegaard earned a rating of 8 — the highest of any player on the pitch — with a performance that combined pressing energy and clinical finishing. Whenever the captain received the ball, he lifted the tempo, and his reward came when he pounced on Madueke's saved effort to secure the three points.

Madueke was Arsenal's other standout, rated 7. His driving run and dangerous delivery threatened Hull early, and it was his shot that ultimately led to the winner. Fellow winger Christos Tzolis, by contrast, offered plenty of effort but little cutting edge, finishing on 5.

Havertz struggles; Konsa and Gabriel hold firm

Kai Havertz endured a difficult afternoon, earning the lowest rating of the Arsenal starting lineup at 4. He turned away from goal when presented with a clear chance, and a penalty appeal — after he went to ground following a shirt pull — was dismissed on VAR review for offside. It was a performance that will demand a response.

At the back, Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes were reliable, both rated 7. Gabriel was caught in possession once but otherwise commanded the Hull attack alongside Konsa, who kept Oli McBurnie quiet throughout. Riccardo Calafiori contributed defensively — rated 6 — though his forward influence was limited compared to previous outings.

Declan Rice went closest for Arsenal before the break with a strike from the edge of the box, though he was withdrawn when manager Mikel Arteta pushed for a goal. Bruno Guimaraes, fresh to the squad, looked like a player still finding his rhythm — rated 6.

Hull's stubborn rearguard action

Hull deserve enormous credit for their resilience. Semi Ajayi was central to their defensive effort, rated 7, though he departed with an injury. John Egan, also rated 7, defended well despite an early header from a corner that he will feel he should have converted. Lucas Gourna-Douath provided composure in the Hull midfield, shielding the back four effectively until fatigue set in as Arsenal applied late pressure.

Goalkeeper Tzolakis, rated 7 despite his costly parry, made several contributions that kept Hull in the contest. Nobel Mendy, fortunate not to concede a penalty after the shirt pull on Havertz, still defended solidly for a 6 rating.

Among the substitutes, Mikel Merino offered a calming presence after replacing Rice, while Eberechi Eze added flair from the left following his introduction. For Hull, Joe Gelhardt introduced a threat down the right after coming on for Mohamed-Ali Cho.