Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Hull City on Saturday, with Martin Odegaard scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute. The Gunners dominated the match but were made to sweat by a stubborn Hull City side that has not won in the league since August. The win takes Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to six points, with Manchester City able to close the gap to three points if they beat Nottingham Forest in the late kick-off.
The match was marked by controversy, with Arsenal having a claim for a penalty in the closing minutes of the first half after Kai Havertz had his shirt pulled by Nobel Mendy. However, VAR ruled that Havertz was in an offside position in the build-up, denying the home side a clear opportunity. Frustration mounted as the second half unfolded, but Odegaard came to Arsenal's rescue, scoring his first goal since early September with a poacher's finish.
In the early kick-off, Leeds United struck in the 79th minute through substitute Noah Okafor to end Tottenham's three-match winning run. The major talking point in the first half was a challenge by Leeds defender Jayden Bogle on Spurs winger Mathys Tel, which was reviewed for a potential red card by VAR officials before eventually being cleared. Tel had to leave the field shortly before halftime.
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi was disappointed by his team's second-half showing and refused to be drawn on the incident, which was not reviewed on the pitchside monitor by referee John Brooks. "In the first situation of Mathys Tel I didn't see, I can't say nothing," he told TNT Sports after the 1-0 defeat. He added that he has big confidence in the referee and the VAR system.
Defeat is a bitter blow for Spurs, who arrived at Elland Road in buoyant mood after recovering from a shocking start to the season. Leeds manager Daniel Farke said his team, who had been winless in five league games, had shown "great spirit, great commitment, great unity". The win for Leeds was a much-needed boost, coming against a Tottenham side that had been on a three-match winning streak.
In another match, Jacob Murphy put Newcastle on course for a much-needed win with a spectacular strike in the 80th minute at Craven Cottage, but substitute Rodrigo Muniz levelled just three minutes later to earn a 1-1 draw for Nottingham Forest. The draw was a disappointing result for Newcastle, who had been hoping to secure a win to boost their Premier League campaign.
The results keep Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, with Manchester City able to close the gap if they win their match. Tottenham's defeat means they stay in fifth place, while Leeds United's win takes them out of the relegation zone. The Premier League continues to be closely contested, with several teams still in with a chance of securing a top-four finish.
Key points
- Arsenal beat Hull City 1-0 to stretch their Premier League lead to six points.
- Tottenham's three-match winning run was ended by a 1-0 defeat at Leeds United.
- Newcastle United drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest.
