Diaby dazzles the Grove in an impressive victory.

Hull will point to Nasri’s petulance and Geovanni’s penalty as reasons to suggest this game should have finished with a closer score line but, in truth, there was a gulf in class and our home form has the potential to help us stumble to the top of the table.

It was not a vintage Arsenal performance but without Fabregas and van Persie, we still looked a quality side. Phil Brown’s team were always going to put in an irritating display and it provoked the reaction they were looking for when Nasri stepped on Richard Garcia’s toes late in the first half. Fortunately Garcia’s overreaction failed to get Nasri the sending off he probably deserved.

Soon after, Denilson curled in a free kick and the Brazilian is finding the welcome knack of scoring the spectacular this season. Hull very nearly got back level though when Silvestre was penalised for standing near Fagan in the area. Almunia saved the penalty from Geovanni and it was a rare shot on target from an extremely negative team.

Eduardo poked home the second from half a yard following incisive play from Diaby and the Frenchman capped a fine display when he played a one-two on the edge of the area, held off a challenge, and slammed the ball home. When Diaby is so dominant you can see why Wenger is keen to play him at every opportunity. Like a number of our players, consistent performances have proved illusive for him but he definitely has the potential to make a real difference to our side.

Seven points from three tough matches in a week is a good return and, combined with the frailties of others, means we are still in the title race. If players like Eduardo and Diaby can continue to make an impression in the second half of the season, van Persie’s injury may not have dealt the fatal blow to our title chances that many had assumed.

Photo: Action Images

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