HULL City's hopes of being party-poopers for a second successive match came to a shuddering halt in a 2-0 defeat against an impressive Arsenal side tonight.
Although City came into the clash on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Liverpool, a first-half header from Gunners striker Nicklas Bendtner after two minutes and a Mesut Ozil strike one minute after half-time put an end to any ideas of another upset against the league-leaders.
Having gone behind to Bendtner's header early on, having seen him gain some space in between James Chester and Alex Bruce, Hull Citycontinued to be under pressure for the best part of the first half and it was to their credit that they did not concede again before the break.
City did not really threaten enough in the opening period and only had a half chance from Yannick Sagbo to show for their efforts.
And it got worse for Steve Bruce's side at the start of the second period when Ozil effectively wrapped up matters when put through on goal by a great reverse pass from the in-form Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal, who have now started to show really depth with the return of their injured players, sent Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere on for the last 17 minutes, replacing Bendtner and Tomas Rosicky.
Bruce did throw on Liam Rosenior, George Boyd and Gedo in a bid to get something from the game, but Arsenal were still good enough to take their foot off the pedal and cruise to three points.
And as the clock ran down, Bruce was involved in a few exchanges with the jubilant Arsenal fans behind the visitors' bench - most of which were taken in good spirits by the former Manchester United defender.
