Just like his performance against Burnley in the previous round, Mohamed Elneny was one of Arsenal’s best performers in an otherwise frustrating display against Hull on Saturday afternoon.

Operating as part of a midfield duo alongside Mathieu Flamini, the Egyptian played the full 90 minutes at the Emirates and showed plenty of promise to suggest he has what it takes to establish himself as a regular starter in an ever-improving Arsenal side.

Effectively usurping Flamini’s impact on the game with a much more energetic, intelligent display both on and off the ball, Elneny was adventurous going forward but also stuck to his defensive duties when out of possession.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal turns away from Adama Diomande of Hull during the match between Arsenal and Hull City in the FA Cup 5th Round at Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal turns away from Adama Diomande of Hull during the match between Arsenal and Hull City in the FA Cup 5th Round at Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Flamini on the other hand, gave away four fouls (two more than any other player on the pitch), often forced play needlessly, and his decision-making was questionable at times too.

Quietly confident on the ball whilst perfecting the basics, it was a refreshing all-round performance from an acquisition that hasn’t had much of an opportunity to show his worth following his January move – but is definitely eager to force his way into Arsène’s immediate plans for the not-too-distant future.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal in action during the Emirates FA Cup match between Arsenal and Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal in action during the Emirates FA Cup match between Arsenal and Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

His passing was crisp and he hardly ever played backward, which was beneficial for our play in the final third as Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck linked up well. Acting as a midfield protector for the backline – especially after Laurent Koscielny’s booking – Hull looked to exploit David Ospina’s shakiness on the counter-attack but struggled to trouble the defence up until the final minutes.

Elneny was unsurprisingly involved there, and his high energy levels were clear to see too as he’d often drive forward to help support an attack when needed but also manage to sprint back in time to make an important interception or provide defensive support without hassle.

Constantly looking to get the ball at his feet, he often played neat one-two passes and rarely gave possession away too. Overall, an excellent display by a player who continues to impress in his new surroundings.

Stats:

Key passes – 2
Pass accuracy – 88.5%
104 touches, second highest in the game
3 tackles, 1 interception

(via WhoScored)

 

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