Shearer warns Arsenal game 'won't be easy' despite Hull's poor run
Alan Shearer believes Arsenal will have too much quality for Hull City this weekend, but the former England striker is not expecting a straightforward afternoon at the Emirates.
Arsenal go into the fixture full of confidence after beating Liverpool at Anfield in their previous Premier League outing, a result that keeps them at the top of the table as they push to retain the title. Hull, by contrast, arrive having gone nine games without a win after a promising start to the campaign.
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Speaking via the Metro, Shearer gave his prediction for the match and explained why he thinks Hull could still cause problems despite their struggles.
Shearer's full verdict
“I don’t think it’ll be easy for Arsenal. I think it’ll be pretty tough. It always is after games in Europe. It’s never straightforward, but Arsenal, squad wise, will have too much depth for Hull.
“Hull started the season so well but no win in nine now, I still think they will be in trouble this season. I think it’ll be a tough season for them, they’ll be in and around bottom three, but I think they would have taken where they are at the beginning of the season, unfortunately for them I think Arsenal will have too much for them.”
Shearer's comments point to the fatigue factor that often follows European fixtures, something Arsenal have had to manage regularly this season given their involvement in continental competition. His assessment is that Hull's fighting spirit, rather than their quality, is what could make matters awkward for Mikel Arteta's side.
A fixture with history
Some Arsenal supporters will recall Hull's shock win at the Emirates back in 2008, a result that still gets mentioned whenever the two sides meet. Since then, however, Arsenal have generally had the upper hand in this fixture and will be expected to continue that trend on home turf.
Hull's current form tells its own story. Nine matches without victory has left them looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone, even after an encouraging opening to the season. That context makes Arsenal strong favourites, but Shearer's warning suggests complacency could be the only thing capable of derailing a home win.
Arteta will be well aware of the dangers of taking any Premier League opponent lightly, particularly a side fighting for survival with nothing to lose. Arsenal's depth, which Shearer highlighted as the decisive factor, should give Arteta options to rotate while still fielding a team capable of seeing off a determined Hull side.
All eyes will now turn to how Arsenal manage the quick turnaround from their European commitments as they look to extend their fine recent form and keep pace at the summit of the table.
