Arsenal v. Hull City 1-2 27/Sep/08

Tigers made history today at the Grove, inspired and undervaluated, Hull came from behind score-sheet to record the second home defeat for the Gunners and beat nearly one hundred years of no-winning against the North Londoners. The Gunners were permissive to the utmost level of perdition, while the defensive aparatus simply did not work. With this defeat, the Londoners gave the lead to Chelsea at the top of the league. Reports from press conference by Mr. Wenger blames defense, at last. The truth is that William Gallas again in his old costume, made the difference, but for the Tigers!





First half saw the Arsenal had most of its chances through midfield. The Hull wreckage at 20' was evident, with the Arsenal having at least 10 crosses with a goal disallowed. Arsenal's leitmotiv was present again this time when the main question was the minute of the arrival of goal. This game style became predicive at 27' with the overlappings and crosses being the only approach to goal. Robin van Persie did not work as the 'link' as in previous matches but rather as a lost striker. The Tigers regained position by the minute and by 35' it was obvious that the game was leveled in both quality and quantity. Although Nasri couls have made the difference it was the Hull defenders who proved their resilence. The first half ended with the Gunners showing themselves as a joke.





If the first half saw the suffering of the Arsenal the next forty five minutes were a unnecessary suffering. Even though the lead for the Arsenal came at 50', with an own goal by McShane on a deflected Cesc shot, the home side could not made difference even with possession. Robin van Persie's play inbox at 55' showed some glimpses of will but the tatter was just beginning. At 62' Geovani stunned everyone with a tremendous strike that defeated Almunia in a ridiculous way. An incredible volley, a shot outside box gave Hull the push they needed to complete their transition to an attacking visiting side. Four minutes after a mistake by Gallas (no, him? Really?) gave Cousin a perfect chance to head the ball past Almunia's mark. Hull was winning the match at 70'. It is evident that throughout the season we will encounter performances such as this one. The lack of talent and professionalism of Gallas was shown with the control of a long ball in four touches. Yes, four touches. Something that for Cruyff would seem a impossible happened. Wenger desperation reached orbital dimensions with the substitution of Walcott for Vela. A shot but Cesc was saved as well as the enormous ammount of crosses in the remaining minutes of the match. As the time kept its way the missery for the London side came evident with the final whistle.