Arsenal edge to win over battling Hull
Sanchez scores twice, a late penalty and controversial opener
First goal went in off striker's hand
Hull's Clucas sent off for handball on the goal-line
#bbcfootball
Jonny Duchezeau: Sanchez has literally slapped the ball in, how is that not hand ball?! It really is time now for a video referee. Too much is at stake.
Brian Jeanes: Alexis Sanchez is the new Thierry Henry!
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal 1-0 Hull City
Without opening a can of worms that I will never be able to close, some sort of technology/review system would have had that Arsenal goal chalked off in the space of about 30 seconds.
Arsenal 1-0 Hull
Peter Swan
Former Hull City defender on BBC Radio Humberside
"That first half had everything. In general Marco Silva will be happy with his side's effort, though Hull are giving too many passes away.
"But an interesting game, and every time either side gets forward you expect a shot on target.
"As far as the goal goes I don't think the Tigers can complain - it was poor defending."
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal 1-0 Hull City
That's yer lot. Arsene Wenger disappears to Narnia, goalscorer Alexis Sanchez breathes heavily as he heads for the tunnel, Hull complain to referee Mark Clattenburg. Decent game, scoreline about fair, but Hull are bang in it.
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal 1-0 Hull City
Comes to nothing, the Gunners will be able to clear. I can't decide if the plethora of empty seats are absentees, or early departures for a half-time pie.
Arsenal 1-0 Hull City
Hull on the charge here, Arsenal can barely get a kick. It's the home side who will want half-time at this rate. Lazar Markovic's cross is too deep, pretty awful, but Hull still get a corner...
#bbcfootball
Jarvis Whiteley: Peter Swan, "Keep quiet or you might wake them".... shhhh lad!
John Nixon: How have the officials not seen that handball? I imagine Wenger won't be addressing that one in the post-match interview.
Uberpwnage_23: That is disgraceful by Sanchez. I don't expect him to run to the ref and say he handballed but at very least he shouldn't celebrate.
Image source, AFPArsenal 1-0 Hull City
Now there's some noise from the home fans, all while Hull commit players forward. First down the right, then switched to the left. It's good stuff from the Tigers, with Lazar Markovic then getting a little testy after being caught by Francis Coquelin. Five to go before the break.
Arsenal 1-0 Hull
David Pleat
Former Spurs boss at Emirates Stadium for 5 live Sport
"Arsenal are playing more adventurously now, getting their full-backs forward. Hull are doing well getting behind the ball but they're not confronting the opposition and are instead being pushed back.
"The Gunners are now definitely in the ascendancy."
Image source, ReutersArsenal 1-0 Hull City
Hull have responded well, their first spell of pressure in some time. A cross from the left makes its way all across the front of the Arsenal goal, but is not met. I can just about hear singing. I think it is from the away fans.
Arsenal 1-0 Hull
Peter Swan
Former Hull City defender on BBC Radio Humberside
"The ball ricocheted up and came of Alexis Sanchez's hand. It wasn't deliberate, but it did go in off his hand.
"It's a goal in keeping with the game - scrappy. You could feel something coming."
Image source, Reuters
Alexis Sanchez
Image source, ReutersIt's been coming, Arsenal deserve it, but it's handball. Alexis Sanchez is in there to provide the final touch, pouncing on a loose ball after a Kieran Gibbs shot isn't cleared. As Sanchez goes in for the ball with Eldin Jakupovic, it bounces up and hits the Arsenal man on the hand, then goes in. Not noticeable at first glance, but clear as day on the replay.
Image source, ReutersArsenal 0-0 Hull City
Harry Maguire, coolest man in north London. Inside the six-yard box, a cushioned header back to the keeper. There was plenty of chance for him to temporarily lose his mind and power that into the top corner. Before that, black shirts were throwing themselves at an Alexis Sanchez shot....
Arsenal 0-0 Hull City
Peter Swan giving it both barrels there. He might want to keep his head down on the tube back to Euston. Kieran Gibbs finds space down the left, only for Lazar Markovic to get back and pinch the ball. Arsenal have been on top for about 10 minutes now.
Arsenal 0-0 Hull
Peter Swan
Former Hull City defender on BBC Radio Humberside
"These Arsenal fans wind me up, to be honest. They expect to win every game. When I was last here, an FA Cup fixture, I arrived early and watched them all saunter in expecting to turn us over.
"And now it's still 0-0, and you can feel them all getting restless. It's so quiet, a library... shh, or you'll wake them all up!"
Image source, ReutersArsenal 0-0 Hull City
Good lord. Eldin Jakupovic almost pulls off the sort of blooper to rank with Peter Enckelman in the Birmingham derby. Backpass, almost a missed bit on control, all in the six-yard box. Ooofff.
Arsenal 0-0 Hull
Peter Swan
Former Hull City defender on BBC Radio Humberside
"Mesut Ozil should have tried cushioning his volley instead of just smashing it. He put his laces right through it, trying to hit that top corner.
"We've had 20 minutes, and Arsenal have sent out their substitutes to warm up..."
Image source, ReutersArsenal 0-0 Hull City
Mesut Ozil is not a happy camper right now. He arrives to meet an Alexis Sanchez cross, doesn't know whether to head or volley it and, in the end, spoons it towards the corner flag. The German blasts the air with his left foot. That was a better strike than the one that made contact with the ball.
#bbcfootball
John Dunthorne: Is there a rule that Arsenal cannot shoot until their opponents have eight men back?
Geoff Russell: We are focusing on Wenger but maybe we should look at the board who are happy with profits and mediocrity.
Nick Clohessy: Hull look like a completely different team under Marco Silva. His signings were smart as were his sales. They are staying up.
Image source, Reuters