Arsenal face the prospect of an unwanted FA Cup replay after failing to make the most of a host of chances in a 0-0 draw at home to Hull.
With 19 changes across the two sides it was clear that both Steve Bruce and Arsene Wenger had more pressing concerns as they battle at the top of the Premier League and Championship, but there were many on both sides who looked to take advantage of rare appearances.
The bright Mohamed Elneny was denied an early penalty after his shot slammed into Alex Bruce’s arm. Much of the opening period saw Arsenal dictate terms without crafting more than the odd half-chance to test Eldin Jakupovic.
At the other end David Ospina offered little to convince Wenger that he should move heaven and earth to retain him in the summer, with the Colombian very nearly being caught out as he failed to get close to Shaun Maloney’s free-kick on the half hour.
Ospina’s opposing number Jakupovic was keeping Arsenal at bay on his own in the early moments of the second half, saving smartly from Theo Walcott before tipping Joel Campbell’s free-kick on to the post.
Perhaps the best of the Hull keeper’s nine saves came on the hour mark, when Danny Welbeck cut inside on his right foot before curling an effort at the far post. Jakupovic stuck out his left glove, somehow getting a powerful hand on it to keep the ball out.
For the second time in a week Wenger threw the kitchen sink at a steadfast defence in his search for a victory, bringing on Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on for the final quarter. Giroud spurned two half-chances but Hull’s resilience only grew stronger in the closing minutes.
Yet as the match wore on Arsenal offered less and less to test Bruce’s defence; they now face another match on their hectic fixture list that they hardly need.
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But who starred at the Emirates, and who had a hand in their sides' demise? Head to our gallery at the top of the article for all the ratings and analysis...
