Arsenal's recovery continues apace, with an anxious start turning into a comfortable 3-0 victory against Hull, in what in some ways, was a tune-up for the FA Cup Final.
Wojciech Szczesny - 7 – Hull's early tactics consisted of a regular diet of crosses into the Arsenal penalty box, but the Pole was up to the task, commanding his area impressively.
Bacary Sagna – 7 – Sagna was put under a lot of pressure in the first third of the contest, but the Frenchman defended his flank impressively, also becoming a factor in the attacking third during the second-half.
Per Mertesacker – 7 – It was an uncharacteristically shaky start from Mertesacker, but he was more assured as Arsenal began to take control of the match.
Laurent Koscielny – 8 – In what was a disjointed opening to the game, Koscielny shone in defence, often making key interventions to prevent Hull breaking through the Arsenal rearguard. A very strong display.
Nacho Monreal – 7 – A sluggish start, but improved as the game progressed, making some nice forward inroads when the contest was settled.
Aaron Ramsey – 8 – The Welshman didn't start the game well, but his ability to make decisive contributions happens too often to be an accident. A well-taken first goal, as well as a sumptuous assist for the second – and also playing a role in the third - show just how much he's been missed.
Mikel Arteta – 6 – Given his recent heavy workload, I was surprised to see Arteta start, and he often wasn't fully up to the pace of the contest. He found things easier once Hull's pressing dropped its intensity.
Santi Cazorla – 7 – Early on, Cazorla was pretty anonymous. But he assisted Ramsey's goal, and became more involved, often functioning as the spare man when Arsenal attacked in the second-half.
Mesut Ozil – 7 – Was somewhat surprised to see the German play from the start. Always looked for space, but seemed a bit rusty early on. However, he played a key role in the first goal, and was an important presence in the victory before being substituted.
Lukas Podolski – 8 – Podolski appears to be in a rich vein of form, evinced by his electric finish for his first goal. He also took up a good position to poach his second (and Arsenal's third) to seal the match. He remains the best finisher at the club.
Olivier Giroud – 7 – He was another to start slowly, and get better throughout the match. While he failed to score, he led the line well, occupying the Hull centre-halves, and helping to create space for the midfield.
SUBS
Mathieu Flamini – N/A – Was brought on to keep the lead safe.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – N/A – Was a lively presence
Yaya Sanogo – N/A – Came on for Giroud.
While Arsenal aren't operating a full-tilt yet, there are some promising signs, and it's not coincidence that they correlate with the return of some of Arsenal's best attacking talent. Finishing 4th and winning the FA Cup seems to be a test of nerve from here.
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