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 five-game winless streak. Perhaps Hull also wanted to help Arsenal when at the end of the first half, David Meyler passed back like an assist, allowing Oliver Giroud to easily tap the ball into the net to open the scoring.

The French striker gained confidence and scored another goal midway through the second half. He celebrated his goal by doing a lullaby 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 brace late in the match to seal the victory. Arsenal's quarter-final opponents are Premier League side Watford.

The Gunners paid the price for their FA Cup quarter-final ticket 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 only 16 minutes, also had to return to the dressing room due to injury. Manager Wenger cannot help but worry about personnel issues at an important time of the season.

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

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

Arsenal struggled to get going 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 a reserve team to save energy for the promotion battle, so they did not have enough attacking power 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 centre-back defended like a joke, allowing Giroud to comfortably volley home.

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

According to VNE