Arsenal have moved four points clear of fifth-place Everton in the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Hull City at the KC Stadium.
Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring for the Gunners after 31 minutes, before Lukas Podolski struck once in either half to secure a vital victory for Arsene Wenger's side.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two rivals, who will meet in the final of the FA Cup next month.
Match statistics
Hull
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 42%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 10
Arsenal
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 58%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 7
Was the result fair?
In truth, Arsenal were far too good for Hull this afternoon. The Tigers had their moments in an end-to-end first period, but too often lacked that piece of real quality in the final third. The away side struggled to put their passing game together in the first 45 minutes, but took a two-goal lead into the interval following two brilliant waves of football. The match was as good as over when Podolski scored his second after 54 minutes, with Hull simply unable to launch a positive response.
Hull's performance
Hull boss Steve Bruce lined up with two strikers this afternoon - Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic - but the former Manchester United defender was made to regret that decision as Arsenal dominated the middle of the park. Hull's defensive record this season stands alongside the top teams, but they were sloppy and tentative in that particular area this afternoon. Plenty of crosses arrived in the Arsenal box, but it was often too easy for the away side to clear their lines. The loss of Long, who looked the most likely player to score, to injury at the interval further harmed Bruce's plans and in truth, the contest was over when Arsenal scored their third. They are not mathematically save from relegation this season, but it is difficult to imagine that the Tigers will be pulled into the drop zone at this stage of the campaign.
Arsenal's performance
It was not exactly vintage Arsenal this afternoon, but they got the job done on what has been a difficult ground for travelling teams this season. Wenger welcomed back the likes of Ramsey and Mesut Ozil into his XI at the KC Stadium and both impressed on an afternoon that also saw Podolski register his fourth league goal in his last two games. The Gunners stood up well to the aerial bombardment from Hull in the first period and took a healthy lead into the interval courtesy of their best two moves of the match. Hull attempted to get in the faces of Arsenal, as a number of teams have done this season, but the Gunners were too cute in the final third. Wenger's side are out of the title race, but are now the firm favourites to finish in the top four. Add into the mix an FA Cup trophy and it could yet be a successful season for the club.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Aaron Ramsey: Podolski might have scored twice for the Gunners this afternoon, but Ramsey, who opened the scoring at the KC Stadium, was the catalyst for everything good about Arsenal's performance. The fact that the Welshman has scored 14 times this season despite spending a significant period on the sidelines is an indication of just how much he has been missed at the Emirates. The former Cardiff City youngster radiated class this afternoon, with Hull simply unable to deal with his clever moment and ability in the final third.
Biggest gaffe
Hull goalkeeper Steve Harper had a bit of a horror moment in the second period when he took too long to clear a Curtis Davies back-pass, which allowed Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud the chance to close down the veteran stopper. Luckily for Harper and Hull, Giroud's block smashed against the crossbar. It was hard enough for the home side this afternoon without giving the capital outfit a helping hand.
Referee performance
Hull were incensed just before the interval when Arsenal's second goal was allowed to stand by referee John Moss, despite replays showing that Mikel Arteta might have fouled Jelavic in the build-up. However, aside from that one moment, it was a fairly comfortable afternoon for Moss. The experienced official issued just the two yellow cards despite the feisty nature of the contest, while he was always prepared to let the play flow in the correct areas. Moss was not seen for long spells, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Hull: Hull, who are not yet mathematically safe from the drop, travel to Fulham in the league next Saturday.
Arsenal: Arsenal will attempt to strengthen their grip on fourth position in the Premier League when they welcome Newcastle United next Monday.
Matt Law
