Hull started brightly, but Arsenal, who had won their previous 14 games in the competition, were soon into their stride and had a strong penalty claim turned down by referee Mike Dean in the eighth minute when Mohamed Elneny’s goalbound shot was blocked by the arm of Alex Bruce.
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Arsene Wenger admits Barcelona are nearly flawless – but insists it is easier to prepare his Arsenal side for the Catalan giants than it was for Saturday’s FA Cup meeting with Hull.
Arsenal host Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 tie, on Tuesday night, while Hull travel to Ipswich on Tuesday and then host Sheffield Wednesday on Friday in the Championship. “We were not incisive or accurate enough in our passing in the final third”.
Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud were thrown on in the second half as Welbeck was replaced, but Arsenal simply couldn’t find the back of the net despite having the lion’s share of possession.
Eldin Jakupovic the hero as Hull hold Arsenal in FA Cup FA Cup holders Arsenal were left frustrated as they were held to a goalless fifth-round stalemate by a resolute Hull.
Arsenal failed to break down Hull City.
“We need to be much more efficient [against Barcelona] because one thing is for sure – we will not have 75 per cent possession [against Barcelona]”, said the Frenchman. It is not what we wanted but between that and going out we’ll take the replay. The Gunners were getting closer and closer to the opening goal as Joel Campell drew the best save yet out of Jakupovic as he turned the Costa Rican’s free-kick onto the post.
The visitors made 10 alterations to their lineup from last week’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion but manager Steve Bruce defended his selection which included a place for 16-year-old Josh Tymon.
Reading, a beaten semifinalist last season, went behind to Darren Fletcher’s goal in the 54th, but replied through Paul McShane, Michael Hector, and on-loan Chelsea forward Lucas Piazon.
Captain Darren Fletcher put West Brom ahead but McShane and Hector headed in Oliver Norwood crosses before Piazon struck in stoppage time.
Bruce, whose side now top the Championship, believes it is also unfair on fans, adding: “Supporters have to find the money to support their team”.
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Watford advanced by beating second-tier Leeds 1-0, with Scott Wootton prodding the ball into his own net in the second half as he attempted to clear a cross.
