A replay is definitely something both sides could have done without but neither holders Arsenal or Hull could find the target in their goalless FA Cup fifth round tie at the Emirates.
With games against Barcelona and Manchester United looming having another fixture is frustrating but at least we are still in the competition we have won for the last two years running.
Arsenal spent large spells of the game in attack but just couldn't make the most of their chances, whether it was missing the target or being denied by a string of fine saves from Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Arsene Wenger made nine changes to the side but his men still started brightly with Mohamed Elneny seeing his first-time shot blocked.
Danny Welbeck, who was making his first start of the season, headed straight at Jakupovic before forcing a better save out of the 31-year-old soon after following Calum Chambers' pass through.
The chances continued to come and go for Arsenal as Alex Iwobi curled a shot just wide before Jakupovic once again came to Hull's rescue. Walcott controlled Chambers' cross before seeing his shot saved by the feet of the Tigers' shot-stopper.
Arsenal started the second half with the same attacking intent as the first and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes of the restart. Kieran Gibbs cut the ball back to Theo Walcott, but the England man's close-range strike was well kept out by Jakupovic.
Iwobi saw his effort deflected wide before Jakupovic pulled off arguably his best save of the afternoon by somehow getting a hand to Joel Campbell's free-kick to tip it onto a post. Mathieu Flamini then blazed the rebound over the bar.
Jakupovic palmed Welbeck's curling shot away for a corner before getting down well to comfortably save substitute Olivier Giroud's effort.
At the other end, David Meyler sent his shot into the side netting as Hull attempted to cause the Gunners problems. Sone Aluko tried his luck but his shot was straight at David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal continued to try and find a winner as substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shot wide following Giroud's headed knock down.
As the game entered injury time Arsenal still had chances to win the game and avoid a replay, but they just couldn't find a way past Jakupovic. The goalkeeper pushed substitute Alexis Sanchez's free-kick away for a corner.
With the last attack of the game Jakupovic once again denied Sanchez before Oxlade-Chamberlain sent his headed rebound straight into the goalkeeper's arms, so a replay at the KC Stadium will now be required.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was happy with the result and was keen to praise a trio of individuals for their performances against the Gunners.
"I really wasn't sure what to expect from the match," said Madden. "Both sides are pushing for league success so seeing two "reserve" sides take to the pitch wasn't a big surprise but it saddens me that a Fifth Round FA Cup tie is considered to be of secondary importance.
"From a Hull City point of view, we were hoping for third time lucky and despite a few patchy moments I was pleased to get a draw. It was clear from the outset that chances for the Tigers wouldn't be abundant and we put in a solid defensive showing.
"Eldin Jakupovic, so often left to sit on the bench or head out on loan, produced his best performance in a city shirt and will have given Steve Bruce plenty to think about with a string of fine saves. It was also encouraging to see 16-year-old Josh Tymon cope with such a big occasion and I was impressed by loanee Nick Powell.
"Arsenal fans will no doubt point to a couple of dubious refereeing decisions that could have resulted in penalties but overall it was a full blooded cup tie and I don't think anyone will complain about that.
"The replay is probably a game that both sides can do without at this point in the season but, if it's anything like today's match, it'll be well worth a trip to the KC Stadium."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
The quarter final draw will mean the winner of our replay in Hull faces a home tie against Watford. Although Watford is by no means an easy game and will be tough, I was pleased to see us get a home tie and avoid both Chelsea and Manchester United. We can't even think about that yet though and must focus on beating Hull...we are not in the quarter finals yet!
But before we can think about that we must focus our attentions on two key games - the Champions League tie with Barcelona and the away league clash against Manchester United.
Let's make sure we make it a good week to remember!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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