The big problem that Arsenal had against Hull City in the first leg of our FA cup 5th round clash at the Emirates Stadium was twofold. Our finishing was a bit poor as it was before and after this one match. But we also came up against a very good keeper and a side that was very well organised and defensively strong.
It was not just against the Gunners either, because the Tigers’ success this season and the main reason they are in contention for promotion back to the top flight has been their miserly defence, especially recently. Their last 15 games has seen just four goals scored against Hull, so we could really do with Arsenal’s finishing and creative skills coming to the fore.
At the same time, though, they are not exactly prolific at the other end and have only scored one goal themselves in the last five games. All this means that Arsenal can afford to be a bit more adventurous than we would against a side that was hurting teams regularly on the counter attack.
Of course we must be defensively switched on and alert to being hit on the break but I think we can push a bit more than usual and try to get this tie done and dusted withing the 90 minutes. We really do not want extra time even though that would be better than losing, but is it time for us to go for it in Hull tonight?