Podolski’s Brace Strengthens Gunners’ Chances

Arsenal clinched a crucial three points against Hull in the dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final, to steal a march on Everton, increasing their gap to four points before the Toffees take on Manchester United.

A goal in each half from Lukas Podolski followed Aaron Ramsey’s opener.

In one of those end of season quirks having lost, Hull now stand a better chance of qualifying for the Europa League going into the FA Cup final – as, if Arsenal finish fifth and win the FA Cup the additional European place would go to the seventh place team in the Premier League.

Hull began the game on the front foot with Wojciech Szczesny called on to command his area with Ahmed Elmohamady delivering dangerous balls in from deep and Shane Long finding space between Arsenal’s centre-back pairing.

A momentary pause in play followed, as the advertising boards on the sidelines were blown onto the pitch, nearly wiping out the linesman in the process.

Arsenal eventually took the lead after half an hour, against the run of play through Ramsey, who combined well with Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla.

The Spain play-maker slipped Ramsey into the box to beat Steve Harper at his far post for the Welsheman’s ninth of the season and his sixth away from home.

A nasty incident with Shane Long left Mikel Arteta missing a tooth just before half time.

There was still time however for the Gunners to double their lead as Podolski thundered in on the volley as Ramsey chested Olivier Giroud’s sweeping ball into his path just before the whistle.

Podolski grabbed his second and Arsenal’s third ten minutes into the second half.

Cazorla pulled the ball back for Ramsey on the edge of the area, whose shot was parried by Harper, but only into the path of of the German, who supplied the finish from inside the six-yard box.

Arsenal threatened to add to their lead as Giroud hit the cross bar having beaten Harper and Per Mertesacker headed over from Cazorla’s free kick.

Szczesny was forced into a one-handed stop from Huddlestone as the hosts looked for a consolation.