Alex Iwobi says Alexis Sanchez robbed him of goal v Hull

But instead of allowing Santi Cazorla, scorer of two penalties already this season, to take the kick, Sanchez stepped up and saw his shot saved by Eldin Jakupovic. “He’s a real football man who has given some stability to Hull and they are hard to beat”, said Wenger.

The Arsenal manager was pleased with the win though, especially after a hard away trip in midweek in the Champions League. Francis Coquelin was preferred over the Switzerland global as Santi Cazorla’s partner, which drew some questions about the midfielder’s ability to adapt to the pace and intensity of the English top-flight.

Ryan Mason came on to make his first home appearance shortly after, replacing Tom Huddlestone in the middle of the park.

Against Hull it was the same story, where he held onto possession, drove at defenders and supplied a brilliant assist for Theo Walcott.

West Ham, who have now conceded 11 goals in their last three Premier League matches, replied with Michail Antonio’s header and a Manuel Lanzini penalty but never looked like completing the unlikely comeback.

Phelan, who is set for further talks over his future after the weekend, was named Premier League manager of the month for August after guiding the relegation favourites to eighth place with seven points from their opening four games.

“But Sanchez says he scored the goal”, Wenger added.

Goals: Sanchez x 2, Walcott, Xhaka. The Scottish worldwide was sorely missed for a major part of the game against Manchester United, which they ultimately lost to a last minute Marcus Rashford victor. What we want is for him to use that in a very efficient way. They go into Saturday’s game level on points with Arsenal and Wenger praised their caretaker manager Mike Phelan, who has been offered the job on a permanent basis.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal and Ahmed Elmohamady of Hull City compete for the ball during the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Arsenal and Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. Sometimes – we lost out first game – you go for stability.

Utterly dominant from the start, Arsenal had chance after chance to put the game to bed early, but failed to, giving the home fans and the home team Hull City, down to ten men in the first half, hope of getting something out of the game.

MF Mesut Ozil, 7 – Still not quite at his best, the laser-guided final pass isn’t really there just yet, but was always available as Arsenal dominated possession.