Sanchez Tames Tigers

Alexis Sanchez struck twice as Arsenal secured their third consecutive league win with a 4-1 victory at Hull.

Sanchez, who took his tally for the season to four in all competitions, maybe should've had a hat-trick but his penalty was well saved by Eldin Jakupovic in the Hull goal.

The Chilean international took 17 minutes to open the scoring - Theo Walcott's ball in was pushed out by Jakupovic and fell at the feet of Alex Iwobi, whose subsequent shot was turned into the net via a deflection from Sanchez.

Arsenal really should have doubled their lead when Iwobi's shot was excellently saved by Jakupovic and the rebound fell to Mesut Ozil, but the German international somehow blazed the follow-up over the crossbar.

At the other end, Robert Snodgrass saw his first-time strike saved by Petr Cech, but it was Arsenal who were having the better chances and missed another great opportunity to double their lead five minutes before the break. Francis Coquelin's shot was blocked by the hand of Jake Livermore and Arsenal were given a penalty. There were no doubts in my mind about the award of the penalty, but would a yellow card have sufficed instead of the subsequent red card for deliberate handball!? Either way, it was a certain penalty, but Jakupovic got down well to parry Sanchez's spot-kick.

Jakupovic then prevented one of his own players from scoring an own goal with a decent save before Iwobi saw his shot blocked by the defence.

Arsenal extended their lead after a fine one-two between Walcott and Iwobi gave the visitors their second goal of the afternoon within 10 minutes of the restart. Walcott raced forward before passing to Iwobi, who then returned the ball to him with a fine back-heel, leaving the England international to calmly clip the ball over Jakupovic.

Hull tried to find a way back into the game with Abel Hernandez's acrobatic effort hitting the crossbar, although the flag had also already been raised for offside.

The hosts reduced the deficit 11 minutes from time through a Robert Snodgrass penalty. I can have no complaints over the award of the penalty itself other than the delay in awarding it. It appeared as though nothing had been given until several seconds later when the referee pointed to the spot. Needless confusion and delay, but Hull were eventually and deservedly awarded the penalty. At first glance I was initially worried that Cech might get sent off following his collision with Hull substitute Dieumerci Mbokani in the box. Maybe a yellow was fair, but then again on another day a red could've been given. Snodgrass smashed home the resulting penalty to give Hull hope of a comeback.

Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion as Sanchez struck again seven minutes from time. Walcott's initial effort was well saved by Jakupovic, but the rebound fell to Sanchez, who took a touch and composed himself before firing a shot into the roof of the net.

Sanchez missed an opportunity to seal a hat-trick when his late effort was saved by Jakupovic, but Arsenal would get on the scoresheet again before the end via a wonder goal from summer signing Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international, who came off the bench after 67 minutes, rifled home a sublime long-range strike, and his first goal for the club, in stoppage time to complete a fine victory for the Gunners.

OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden tried not to feel too downbeat at the result and always knew his side would be in for a tough clash against Arsene Wenger's men.

"It's hard not to feel slightly disappointed by the result but it's not games against arsenal that will define our season," said Madden. "Getting any points from one of the 'big' sides is always a big ask but to do it with 10 men was always going to be a struggle once Jake Livermore saw red.

"The positive is that Hull City sounded like they put in a decent effort and created chances, but ultimately it was a step too far for Mike Phelan's men."

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
Another decent result and one we can be very pleased with but, without being disrespectful to Hull, the bigger test to show what direction our season is likely to go in is set to come in our next league game when we host Chelsea.

But before that we must focus our attentions on the trip to Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup. Former Gunner Nicklas Bendtner recently joined Forest and I just have this horrible feeling that the player, who many of us Arsenal fans used to slate, may score against us.

Nothing is ever certain in cup games, but I think providing we don't get complacent we should have enough about us to see off this tie even if we decide to field a line-up made up more of our fringe and younger players.

Compared to the other three competitions we are in the league cup doesn't rank as highly, but as a fan, I still want us to win every competition we are in and will be cheering the lads on against Forest.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS