The FA Cup fifth round replay at Hull could have been a potential banana skin for holders Arsenal but the visitors instead came away with a convincing 4-0 win and a place in the quarter final.
The Gunners have been rather out of sorts in recent months and a case could be argued for both sides as to whether they are still in the Premier League title race. But the chance of a third FA Cup trophy in a row is still on thanks to two goals apiece from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.
I was certainly nervous in the early stages of the game, despite us facing lower league opposition, but as soon as we got our rather fortunate opener we were in control for large spells of the game.
It could've been a different story for Hull had it not been for a fine save from David Ospina and David Meyler's crucial error. The hosts played better than the 4-0 scoreline suggests.
One of the most pleasing things from an Arsenal perspective, other than winning a place in the quarter finals, was to see Giroud and Walcott back among the goals. We have been really lacking that killer instinct upfront in many games this season, which could end up proving the difference between whether we can win the title or not. Hopefully these goals can boost the confidence of both strikers and put them on a good scoring run...here's hoping!
I feel mainly positive about our FA Cup campaign but the match was tinged slightly by picking up more injuries as Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, and substitute Aaron Ramsey were all forced off. After the match Arsene Wenger admitted that Mertesacker wouldn't be out long after sustaining a cut on his eye, but the extent of Gabriel and Ramsey's respective hamstring and thigh problems remains to be seen.
Arsenal started the game strongly and did actually have the ball in the net after just three minutes, but Walcott's effort was ruled out for offside.
Hull began to grow into the game and very nearly took the lead around the half hour mark. Arsenal failed to clear Nick Powell's free-kick properly and Meyler's low strike was excellently kept out by Ospina. As the ball was played back in the Colombian shot-stopper made another decent save before Hull did eventually get the ball in the net, only to see it disallowed for offside.
Mertsacker was then forced off following a clash of heads with Powell but Arsenal didn't let that affect them and went on to take the lead four minutes before the break. It was a bit harsh on Hull and was only the first goal they had conceded at home in 2016, but we did well to capitalise on the error. Meyler's attempted back pass fell straight to Giroud, allowing the French forward to score from close range for what was, alarmingly, his first goal in 12 games. I was obviously delighted and it definitely calmed the nerves because, if Hull had kept it at 0-0 a lot longer anything could've happened.
Arsenal now had the bit between their teeth and almost added a second before half-time but Kieran Gibbs' curling effort clipped the crossbar.
The Gunners almost doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart, but Eldin Jakupovic tipped Mohamed Elneny's volley over the bar.
Hull tried to find a way back into the game but Mohamed Diame and Powell both sent their efforts off target, while Arsenal were lucky that Ramsey diverted the ball inches wide and not into his own net.
Those misses proved costly as Arsenal netted twice in six minutes to secure the victory. The first came 19 minutes from time as Gibbs controlled the ball well, before releasing Walcott, who crossed for Giroud to score on the volley. Provider then turned scorer as Walcott latched onto a fine pass from Joel Campbell before calmly beating Jakupovic with a low strike.
Jakupovic did well to keep out Alex Iwobi's effort from outside of the box, but Arsenal weren't to be denied a fourth as Walcott beat the Tigers' goalkeeper with a low shot at his near post.
Four goals may seem a bit harsh on Hull, who battled well, but it was pleasing to see us produce some more clinical finishes up front.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Hull fan Richard Madden was left frustrated by the result but is hoping his side will get the chance to make amends in a league game against the Gunners next season if they can win promotion.
"The replay was a bit of a strange affair," said Madden. "In the build up, City fans were either looking at the match as a step closer to Wembley or a potential banana skin for our promotion chances.
"Regardless, the 4-0 scoreline proved to be decisive although I think it flattered to deceive.
"It felt scrappy and David Meyler's mistake leading up to the opener pretty much summed it up.
"Fingers crossed we'll get another chance of revenge in the Premier League next season. If not, we'll wait until next year's third round draw is made!!"
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
As expected there will no longer be two games in two days as the upcoming league match with West Brom has been re-arranged, meaning the quarter final at home against Watford is next on the agenda.
This is the one competition where I actually feel more confident in us succeeding, although Watford definitely can't be underestimated and will no doubt be very tricky opponents.
We need to make sure we turn up with the right attitude on the day and don't get complacent. It could also depend on the injuries and whether or not Mertesacker and Gabriel are back in time because, if not, we will have a big selection dilemma.
Anything could happen and that is the magic of the FA Cup, but hopefully we can get the victory and move into the last four. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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