Arsenal dug deep to defeat Hull City 1-0 in their English Premier League (EPL) encounter at the Emirates stadium on Saturday.
The EPL champions needed a late rally to secure the three points, and captain Martin Odegaard netted the breakthrough goal and eventual winner.
Arsenal took top spot in the league for the first time last week and looked to consolidate on their three-point advantage before the international break, but was met by a stubborn hall that refused to roll over until Semi Ajayi, their Nigerian international defender, left the pitch injured and exhausted.
The first half was a congested affair low on chances as the visitors held their own against the champions, reaching the halftime break level and without conceding a goal.
The Gunners improved the second period and went close through Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, and the Tigers caved in to their hosts on 72 minutes. Odegaard reacted quickest after Noni Madueke’s shot was saved, with the Norwegian slotting the rebound beyond the goalkeeper for 1-0 lead.
Arsenal have not dropped points when they take the lead this season, and they closed out the win in commanding fashion to maintain a 14-match unbeaten streak against Hull City.
Arsenal are top of the league with 27 points from 10 matches and temporarily stretch their lead at the top to six points ahead of second-placed Manchester City who play later in the day.
