Arsenal Vs Hull City: Performance, Not Just Result, Important
After two successive games in which Arsenal performed poorly but got a good result, this weekend against Hull City, the performance is very important.
Last weekend, the return of the Premier League saw Arsenal host Southampton in a potentially troublesome fixture. The South coast side are defensively stout, dangerous on the counter attack and were not simply a team to be swept by without a pause for thought.
The 90 minutes validated such fears. The North London side were short of their crisp best, lacking a cutting edge, especially in the final third despite dominating possession, while Southampton, particularly in the early stages, were by far the better side, creating far more and far better chances. However, the three points stayed in North London, and although performance was lackluster, the result was far from it.
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On Tuesday night, in very different circumstances, Arsenal were once again underwhelming. The first half was a shambles as Paris Saint-Germain played them off the park and although the second half brought a distinct improvement, there was little praise for the performance at least. However, a 1-1 result is fantastic for the Gunners. So, for how long can their performances and their results differ so greatly?
Well, it should, and needs, to come to an end this weekend against Hull City. Arsenal travel to a vastly over-performing Hull side on Saturday afternoon and are in search for far more than just the three points. Late in the season, results are the name of the game. Win at all costs, no matter how. However, early in the year, momentum must built, and that comes through a combination of results and performances. Thus far, Arsenal only have one, and that failure falls at the feet of one man.
Arsene Wenger has, for whatever reason, been unable to inspire his side to any sort of positive play this season. Other than a 45 minutes spell against a lost Watford side, the Gunners have been utterly disappointing so far. While the results have not been terrible, there is a stalling of development within the squad.
Saturday’s match brings a prime opportunity for Wenger to, first and foremost, nail his tactics, and then pick and instruct a team to fulfil the potential that has been flashed throughout the past few seasons. There is a genuine chance of trophies this season, but they are dwindling with every passing game of underwhelming quality.
Hull City offer a chance to recover that glistening form. It is a much-needed chance as well.