Nicklas Bendtner broke Hull hearts (and left us all laughing as a result) as Arsenal waited until the grim end to keep us in the title race and send a despicable team closer to relegation.

The Tigers did well enough today to get a draw against the Arsenal, but as things are, the Gunners fought tooth and nail to snatch a 2-1 win in a difficult encounter that in another season would be two dropped points. We are still in the hunt.

If the first ten minutes were anything to go by, Arsenal were going to run away with this one, as our dominance in possession saw Bendtner feed Arshavin on the left. The little Russian dinked the ball past Mendy on his right, which curled left, to be latched on from Arshavin, who ran left around Mendy, who then dispatched it past poor Boaz Myhill.

Such was the Bergkampy nature of the goal, I was inspired to draw a diagramatic sketch of the little Russian’s goal. I think it’s very accurate and lifelike.

All was not roses and pancakes though, as American tyro Altidore was giving Sagna hell with his burly physique and very, very quick pace. And no sooner had he announced his intent when a Hull midfielder chipped the ball over the defence to find an offside Vennegoor of Hesselink (whose curvy shirt name is hilarious), who had Sol Campbell bumble his way into his back.

Never a penalty as it was offside, but it was more the linesman’s fault than the referee’s. At this point, we’re all spitting chips, but Bullard plants a solid kick past Almunia, who dived the right way but beaten. And no, I won’t be drawing a sketch of that.

Now, I have to spare a moment for Hull’s stupid excuse for a captain, Boateng. A man who spouts off cliched opinion on Sky Sports when injured, here’s a man who can actually look a camera in the eye when off the field, and then try and pry another player’s very eyes out of their sockets. His eye-gouge on Bendtner would have made a South African rugby player blush and while it’s difficult for the ref to spot when looking elsewhere (credit to the linesman, this time), it remains a shameful, shameful piece of play. He was rightly sent off after another foul, and Hull were down to ten men.

Half time came and went, Bullard shot over in the second half, and Hull were looking difficult to break down and dangerous on the attack when Altidore had the ball.

Then Walcott came on, and Hull’s threat, at least, was totally nullified. Theo’s pace meant everyone sat back, and from then on it was all Arsenal.

It was a frustrating time of try, try again, but eventually Denilson smacked a shot at Myhill, who amateurishly palmed it straight back at Bendtner, who kept his cool to hit a last-ditch winner.

A win is a win, and we remain firmly in the mix for a big fat trophy.

Almunia – 7: Is finding form at the right time and becoming more solid like he was in 2007. Came to corners and collected crosses well – did the simple things, which is instilling a modicum of confidence in the defensive line. Nearly got to Bullard’s penalty – one day he’ll save one.
Sagna – 6.5: Seemed a little lost when on the attack while Eboue was on the pitch and Altidore gave him some strife. But shut up shop when Hull had Walcott to worry about.
Campbell – 7: More bad luck than judgement when he ‘fouled’ V of H; his momentum carrying him into the offside striker. Crunching tackle on a Hull player showing perfect timing and eyes for the ball. A solid stop-gap acquisition, and I’m overjoyed to see him back at the club.
Vermaelen – 7: Got forward to assist Denilson at times and defended to his usual standard. Demonstrated a good passing game.
Clichy – 7.5: Has scratched his way back into form. His biggest asset in my mind is his anticipation and pace to intercept passes on his flank. It sets up threatening counters every time, and he’s been doing that a lot lately. He seems like a guy aware of when he’s playing badly, and he’s bucked up his ideas. Full credit to him.
Denilson – 7.5: The regular rubbishers of the young Brazilian may baulk at this, especially considering a number of passes that he gave to the opposition. To which I respond: the number one rule when you lose the ball is to damn well get it back. He did that nearly every time, hassling Hull’s midfield and back line to force possession back. His passing improved late on into the match. Has done his job in Song’s absence.
Nasri – 6: Obviously needs more regular matches with the Cesc-role than what he’s going to get. Never hit the heights he did against Porto, but you know he can be dangerous, even on a bad day. Couldn’t forge anything out of this match and his ideas were read well by the opposition.
Diaby – 7: Physical presence an asset. After feeling his way into the game, started drifting through Hull’s midfield with ease and passed the ball well. One of the most improved players so far this season, but the team needs to figure out a tactic that allows lay-offs for him to shoot from range more.
Eboue – 6: Never got going and Hull had his measure every time. Never faulted for effort, but his application lead to nothing. Replaced by Walcott on 66 minutes.
Arshavin – 8: Scored one of his best goals this season and I’ve still yet to figure how he did it. Kept probing at Hull relentlessly and looks dangerous everytime he runs directly at the angle. Good showing, and he’s chosen this third of the season to start hitting form. Very welcome.
Bendtner – 7.5: How we could have used him when van Persie limped out in October. Holds the line so, so well and gives us consistent shape on the attack. Is getting better at heading out corners from defence too. Has a lot to work on, like bloody-well shooting on sight, but scored a clutch goal (to use an American term), and we’re still in the race thanks to him.
SUBS: Walcott – 7.5: No coincidence that Hull’s most dangerous attacks stopped when Theo came on. His attacks forced the Tigers back and he made some telling cuts into the home-side’s box. Should already have 10 assists this season if the team could just learn to shoot on the first touch.
Eduardo – 6: Came on as Wenger started to throw his dice late on. Didn’t really do that much while he was on, from what I could see.

We’ve won a match that we should have drawn, and that shows there is still a lot left in the ‘Character cabinet’ of this side. Hull have drawn with Chelsea and beaten Man City at home, and we’ve come and beaten a team unbeaten at the KC for a few months. Top marks.

Detractors will say ‘lucky win’, but we were the better side by a margin, despite missing almost a full legion of players. Having said that, we could clearly do with Fabregas’ return, as Nasri, while gifted, hasn’t got a lot of time to rehearse properly for playmaker.

Song’s return will strengthen us considerably, but credit must go to the derided Denilson, whose passing game wasn’t quite right today, but his attitude certainly was. If you lose the ball, get it back. Denilson lost the ball, and like a terrier he yapped straight at their heels and returned possession to his team-mates.

He also showed the value of getting a solid shot away from distance. It should have been comfortably saved by Big Bumbling Boaz, but Badass B52 Bendtner was on hand to slot home and round off a terrible alliteration from yours truly. You make your own luck, and Denilson made that happen.

Diaby could do well to learn from that, as he and van Persie have the best shots from distance in this squad, I reckon. If the team can learn to set him up like Liverpool do to Gerrard, we might have a new goal outlet. Who knows.

Finally, Arshavin has hit form at the right time. I can’t recall which blog I read it in, but if van Persie got us through the first third of the season and Cesc the second, Arshavin could well be the one to carry us over the line. He’s been quiet of late, but his last two matches have been the real deal.

A good win, and a new hobbie for Jammathon, as he thinks of new things to sketch.

How about you sketch me a comment on what you thought of the match? For the silent readers of the blog, I’d love it for you to introduce yourselves to our more vocal readers and join in the fun. Until next time, 3rdGentlemen.

Filed under: Arsenal, English Premier League