Hull’s Sergej Jakirović on Arsenal’s Quality in Pre-Match Presser

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Hull manager Sergej Jakirović spoke ahead of Saturday’s Premier League Matchweek 10 game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday 7 November, with Farai Hallam the referee.

His main themes were Arsenal’s form in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, the difficulty of finding weaknesses in their play, and the plans Hull have worked on this week. Arsenal are top of the table on 24 points, while Hull are 11th on 11 points.

On Arsenal’s form

“They are playing very good football in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.”

What he said

Jakirović began by acknowledging that Arsenal’s form is strong in both the league and in Europe.

What he meant

The record supports him. Arsenal have won eight of their nine league games, losing one, and have scored 14 and conceded five. They have also won five of their last six matches, the exception being a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich.

By opening with praise, Jakirović sets out how he sees the task: Hull are facing the league leaders, who are also playing midweek European football.

On how Arsenal control games

“They are strong, control their games, and never allow the opponent to play their game.”

What he said

He described Arsenal as a side that dictates matches and restricts what the opposition can do.

What he meant

This points to the problem Hull face in possession. Arsenal have conceded five goals in nine league games, and have kept clean sheets in four of their last six matches: Lille, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Liverpool.

Hull have scored 11 league goals in nine games, and Jakirović appears to expect them to have to work for their chances.

On scouting Arsenal

“I have watched a lot of Arsenal’s games to find something, but they are brilliant and a very strong team.”

What he said

Jakirović said he has studied plenty of Arsenal’s matches in search of a way to hurt them.

What he meant

The admission that he is still looking suggests he has not found an obvious weakness. His own words describe Arsenal as “brilliant”, which shows how highly he rates them.

His analysis work is likely to be the basis for the plans he mentions later, rather than a single tactical idea.

On Arsenal’s depth

“No matter who is on the pitch, they create a very difficult game for us.”

What he said

He said the identity of Arsenal’s players makes little difference to the level of challenge Hull face.

What he meant

Arsenal are without Bukayo Saka, who has a thigh injury, so the comment is relevant to the team news. Jakirović does not appear to expect Saka’s absence to change much about how Hull approach the game.

It also reads as a warning to his own players not to treat the absence as an opening.

On Hull’s preparation

“We have prepared, and obviously, we will try to create some difficulties for them.”

What he said

Jakirović said Hull have done their work during the week and intend to make Arsenal’s afternoon uncomfortable.

What he meant

The aim he describes is to cause difficulties, not to dominate. That fits a side who have drawn five of their nine league games and have not won in their last six matches, with four draws and two defeats.

Hull also have seven players out injured: Hughes, Gyabi, Matazo, Ansah, Butland, Gourna-Douath and Targett. That limits the options for any plan.

On Plan A, Plan B and Plan C

“We have tried something this week—Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C.”

What he said

He said Hull have worked on several different approaches in training this week.

What he meant

Working on three plans suggests Jakirović expects the game to change shape as it goes on. He did not say what the plans are, and the facts given do not reveal them.

Hull have drawn four of their last six, including 2-2 against both Everton and Ipswich, so they have shown they can score against more than one type of opponent. Whether that is enough against Arsenal is the question his preparation is meant to answer.

On the chance of an upset

“But in football, you always stand a chance.”

What he said

Jakirović ended on a more hopeful note, saying that a result is never out of the question.

What he meant

The line is a measured expression of belief rather than a bold claim. He has spent most of his answers describing Arsenal’s strengths, and this is the one point where he says Hull are in the game.

The table shows the size of the gap: Arsenal have 13 more points than Hull and a goal difference of +9 against Hull’s +1.

Confidence check: Measured

Jakirović sounds realistic about the size of the task. He praises Arsenal repeatedly, calling them “strong” and “brilliant”, and admits he has watched a lot of their games without finding an easy way in.

He does not sound defeated, though. He says Hull have prepared three plans and that “you always stand a chance”. His team arrive 11th, winless in six matches, with seven players injured, so the tone is one of preparation rather than expectation.

Arsenal have won eight of nine league games and have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last six matches, except in the 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich.

How to watch

Arsenal vs Hull is not shown live on UK television: Saturday 3pm kick-offs fall in the UK broadcast blackout.

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