For the first time in many matches Arsenal were able to convert almost all of their opportunities into goals.
Both Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott scored twice, goals they’ve sorely needed over the last two months.
The win comes with a price though. Three Gunners would limp off the field: Per Mertesacker, Gabriel Paulista, and Aaron Ramsey.
Mertesacker suffered a cut over his eye, along with some bruising and some wooziness. Wenger estimates the injury to be not too serious.
Gabriel looks to have strained his hamstrings, meaning he’s not likely to be ready for at least three weeks.
Aaron Ramsey has strained his dreaded thigh, an injury that has kept him sidelined for significant time in the past two seasons.
The game itself was compelling with Arsenal dominating early possession, but not creating any clearcut chances.
It was Hull who created the first great chance, their best of the match. Arsenal failed to properly clear a Hull free-kick and the ball pinballed around before Meyler belted a shot through the crowd of players, producing a sensational save from Ospina.
It was Meyler himself who gifted Arsenal the opening goal, when he blindly hit a back pass straight to Giroud, who calmly slotted the ball past Jakupovic.
Gibbs almost made it a second, when a long range strike hit the crossbar shortly before halftime.
In the second half, there was a brief flurry from Hull, but after weathering it Arsenal took control.
Walcott crossed from the wing and Giroud pounced, scoring a second, sealing the win.
Walcott scored the third on the counter, the recipient of a super pass from Joel Campbell.
Walcott completed the rout, scoring at the near post after a kind deflection off a Hull defender.
Arsenal now have to face Watford on Sunday in the FA Cup Quarter-Final.
Player Ratings:
Ospina 8: He made a great save from Myler, one of the few saves he had to make. Once or twice he came out and punched the ball away, but other than a Diame header, he had little to do.
Chambers 7: Callum had a solid game going forward, but on several occasions he was beaten by tricky Hull players. Once Gabriel left, he slotted into the middle and he was excellent.
Mertesacker 6: He was playing well until he suffered a nasty smack on the head, over his eye. He tried to continue, but maybe Arsenal should’ve removed him right after the injury.
Gabriel 7: He finally started to settle in and play well and then he strains his muscles (probably hamstrings). Disappointing.
Gibbs 7: Almost scored at the end of the first half. He had a good match and he looked solid going forward. He was involved in the buildup for the second goal. Defensively, he kept El Mohamedy quiet most of the evening.
Flamini 7: His best game in quite a while. He was excellent in midfield and then was very good when he had to move to right back in the latter stages of the match.
Elneny 8: An excellent game from a player who works hard, makes himself available for passes, and does all the simple things to keep the ball moving. He had a volley off a cleared corner that almost scored, but the keeper made a great save. Elneny stands to benefit from Ramsey’s injury and will be key over the next month.
Iwobi 8: A great game for Alex, who was very effective in keeping the ball moving and of putting pressure on the Hull defence.
Campbell 7: He had a good chance early that he hit quite wide. He had a terrific assist on Theo’s goal and showed how dangerous he can be when he cuts inside. Defensively, he put in a strong shift.
Giroud 8: The birth of a baby boy almost kept him home from this game, but he was solid and scored when he had the chance. He needed these goals and hopefully this will propel him onward.
Walcott 8: For most of the game he was okay, but he came to life in the last twenty or thirty minutes, scoring twice and assisting once. He also needed these goals.
Substitutes:
Monreal 8: He put in a solid shift in the middle of the defence when Mertesacker went down. Was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge form Diame.
Ramsey n/a: Came on and was effective until he hurt his thigh. Hopefully it won’t keep him out for long.
Reine-Adelaide n/a: A brief cameo for this leggy prodigy who showed several good touches.