The France international skippered the Gunners last term in the prolonged absence of Per Mertesacker, who has since retired from playing and taking up a coaching position.
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The World Cup-winning defender said in an interview with German publication Der Spiegel that his “body was finished” and that he would rather sit on the bench or in the stands.
The France international, who joined from Lyon in a £46.5m deal last week, came on as a second-half sub and netted 15 minutes later to mark his first appearance with a goal.
Mertesacker has been an Arsenal player for the last five years, making 149 appearances, and in that time winning two FA Cups
Despite an improved display in possession by Hull, it was Arsenal who continued to create the better chances, and Theo Walcott was guilty of missing a great opportunity when he miscued an effort wide after beating the offside trap