Hopefully the match will serve as a template for the upcoming FA Cup Final, where Arsenal will meet Hull again in about a month’s time.
The first half saw Hull force the Gunners to stay on their toes as they bombarded the Arsenal goal with a number of crosses. Arsenal, though, looked sharp on the break, courtesy of the return of Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal’s first goal was a move of beauty, featuring quick precision passing, and a lovely run from Aaron Ramsey which he finished off with a smart shot.
Arsenal were lucky when a Livermore strike bounced off the upright, Hull’s best chance of the game.
Just before halftime Arsenal struck again. A lovely crossfield pass from Giroud was bumped by Ramsey into the path of Podolski, who made sure with a well struck shot.
Lukas Podolski put the game to bed early in the second half when he finished off another wonderful move, courtesy of Cazorla’s wonderful cross to Ramsey, who hit it at the goalkeeper, whose save fell straight to the feet of Podolski.
The rest of the game was comfortable for Arsenal, who might have scored one or two more, but were content to see out the match.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 8. Beaten once by Livermore, but the post came to the rescue. He was solid throughout, having to deal with a number of crosses into the area. Made a couple of good saves off Jelinek and Long as well.
Sagna 7. A good solid game for Sagna, who kept his flank quiet and managed to get forward a number of times.
Mertesacker 7. An early yellow card had me a little concerned, but he was solid for most of the game. Dominant in the air as usual.
Koscielny 7. He had one or two minor miscues, but for the most part he was strong and dealt with whatever Hull threw at us.
Monreal 7. Nacho’s best game in the last two months. He kept the flank relatively quiet and he managed to get forward a number of times.
Arteta 7. A good game for Mikel, a recipient of a number of physical challenges early on. He kept the back secure while Arsenal raided forward.
Ramsey 8. My man of the match. A well taken goal, an inadvertent assist on the second, an assist on the third, and lots of running and movement. Getting back to his best form.
Ozil 8. I thought Mesut looked good out there and he had a part to play in the first two goals. He made some good passes, particularly the early one to Monreal, which was called offside (we never saw the replay to that one). He held the ball up well and the players around him responded with good games.
Cazorla 8. Another good game for Santi. Nominally he started on the right flank, but he buzzed all over the field. He assisted on the first goal, was involved in the buildup on the second, and he played the key cross in that led to the third goal.
Giroud 8. He had an energy to his game and he proved a handful for the Hull defenders. Was involved in the buildup to the second goal and he might have scored when he ran down the goalkeeper. His resulting shot hit the crossbar.
Podolski 8. Four goals in the last two games. Great finishing on the first goal and was in the right position for the second goal. He too, played with more energy.
Substitutes:
Flamini 7. Came in for Ozil. He played a solid defensive shift for half an hour.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 6. He made a number of energetic runs up the flank. Was eager to impress.
Sanogo. N/A. Came on for a brief cameo.