Arsenal v. Hull City 2-1 17/Mar/09

With an apparent offside goal by William Gallas, the Gunners will face next month in FA's Semifinal rivals Chelsea. In any case the match became difficult enough and it was the Dutchman van Persie who equalized things to give the Gunners a late hope. In the outcome of nexts travel to the Tyneside the Gunners fiercely need three points in order to secure the fourth place. In other news Friday's draw will have the attention of more than one Gooner in what could be another elite clash against one of Europe's best. Nevertheless the worst part of the year is coming and a ban from the alleged spit on Hull's asistant by Cesc appears as an awufl prospect. Well, then come on you stupid Spaniard!







Arsenal started quite lively the first half; the Tigers with solid defending and the Gunners arriving without many effective opportunities. The deadlock was broken by Nick Barmby powered by the deflection in Djoruou's leg in the 11th minute when he volleyed past Almunia to grab the early lead. Even though the London side attempted more and in the next fifteen minutes nothing with substance enough came the game stood still. With Arsenal approaches growing in number but decreasing in quality the half ended with yet more complains from Wenger to the fourth officer and many corners, all cleared by Hull's solid defence. In the last seven minutes, with injury time, Arsenal pondered heavily on Hull's goal, but nothing alarming to fear the Tiger's keeper.







Throughout the second half Arsenal dominated possession and thus the siege began. In the first fifteen minutes 60% of the balls were for Arsenal as the home side kept and continued several times and through several forms the attack. With the huge gaps left by Arsenal's midfielders the visiting team began to attack. Two players came in for Arsenal in the 65th minute, Nasri and Bendtner, the first to give depth and creativity and the latter to basically score. Arsenal's attempts grew in quality with van Persie's freekick nearly entering Hull's goal at 69' and a header from the same striker at 73'. It was not until the following minute that the Dutchman equalized, due to the lack of prowess and pressure by Hull's defense. Now that the Gunners had the upperhand they looked sharper. The late lead came in the 84th minute through an alleged offside header by Gallas. It is not clear if Hull's keeper touched the ball after or before Djorou but if the latter did, it was suppossed to be disallowed. Obviously the northern team attacked the Gunners through the final minutes but nothing really came to bother Fabianski. With the final whistle Arsenal are going to face Chelsea at Wembley.