Arsenal edge past Hull City as Leeds end Tottenham’s winning run

Arsenal maintained their Premier League title defence with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hull City, while Tottenham Hotspur’s revival was halted by Leeds United on Saturday.

Martin Odegaard settled a stubborn contest at Emirates Stadium in the 72nd minute, reacting quickest after Noni Madueke’s effort was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

The result was Arsenal’s sixth league win this season by a one-goal margin. Their performance was not fluent, but they again showed the persistence that helped them collect victories without reaching top form last season.

Arsenal now have 27 points from 10 matches and lead second-placed Manchester City by six points. Manchester City visit Nottingham Forest later on Saturday, seeking to respond to consecutive defeats.

Odegaard had not scored since September, but the Arsenal captain was in the right position to convert the rebound and secure another narrow win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Tottenham had been aiming for a fourth consecutive victory, but their momentum disappeared at Elland Road as Leeds claimed a 1-0 win.

Noah Okafor came off the bench and scored just 97 seconds later, driving a low finish into the net from the edge of the penalty area in the 79th minute.

The victory ended Leeds’ five-match winless run in the league and lifted them above Tottenham into eighth place with 14 points. Tottenham remain on 12 points.

The match was overshadowed in part by a first-half incident involving Leeds defender Jayden Bogle and Tottenham winger Mathys Tel. Bogle escaped a red card for a dangerous challenge that forced Tel to leave the field with an ankle injury.

The VAR review of the tackle lasted four minutes, with Tottenham supporters angered that Bogle was not sent off.

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi chose to focus on his team’s performance rather than the controversy.

“I’m sorry for the result, but first of all I’m sorry for the performance in the second half,” the Italian said. “We didn’t play like a top team, we played without the right spirit, the right character, the right physicality in the duels.”

Fulham and Newcastle United drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage in the day’s other Premier League fixture.

Jacob Murphy put the home side ahead late in the match, but Rodrigo Muniz equalised to ensure the points were shared.