Arsenal crush Hull, enter FA Cup quarter-finals

The Gunners beat Hull 4-0 in the away replay, continuing their chances of defending their title.

Giroud (right) celebrates his newborn son's goal. Photo: Reuters.

The four-star victory was a boost for Arsene Wenger's side amid a difficult period, ending a run of five consecutive games without a win. Perhaps Hull also wanted to help Arsenal when at the end of the first half, David Meyler passed back like an assist, helping Oliver Giroud easily tap the ball into the net to open the score.

The French striker gained confidence and scored another goal midway through the second half. He celebrated his goal by doing a lullaby dance and sucking his thumb, dedicated to his son, who was born on Monday. After 11 games without a goal, the French striker scored again.

Theo Walcott scored a double at the end of the match, sealing the victory. Arsenal's opponent in the quarter-finals is the Premier League team, Watford.

The Gunners paid the price for their FA Cup quarter-final berth with three recent injuries. The two central defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel only played for an hour before leaving the field. Aaron Ramsey, who came on as a substitute after just 16 minutes, also had to return to the dressing room due to injury. Manager Wenger cannot help but worry about personnel issues at a crucial time of the season.

"I was shocked to lose two central defenders at once and Ramsey as well," the French coach said after the match. "Mersacker's injury is not too serious. Gabriel looks fine but Ramsey worries me more."

Ramsey got injured shortly after coming on as a substitute. Photo: Offside.

Arsenal struggled to get off to a winning start against Hull, who had not conceded in six consecutive home games. The visitors did not create a clear-cut chance until the 41st minute. A Hull defender carelessly passed the ball into the box, and Giroud quickly pounced to open the scoring. Arsenal scored with their first shot on target.

Hull fielded their reserves to save energy for the promotion battle, so they did not have enough strength to attack after conceding the goal. The game was completely Arsenal's with countless opportunities created.

After many shots hitting the woodwork or being blocked by the goalkeeper, the away team doubled the gap in the 71st minute. Walcott crossed the ball from the left wing, the Hull center-back defended like a joke, allowing Giroud to comfortably volley home.

The English midfielder ended a five-match goal drought in the final 10 minutes with a double.

According to VNE