Giroud and Walcott scored a brace each but Arsenal lost Ramsey, Gabriel and Mertesacker to injury
Arsenal booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after beating Hull 4-0 at the KC Stadium.
The game - a replay that neither side wanted to play - lacked action in the first half and it took a disastrous back-pass from David Meyler to get the first goal. Olivier Giroud pounced on the loose ball to slot home.
Kieran Gibbs came close to doubling Arsenal's lead before Giroud finally extended their advantage mid way through the second half.
Theo Walcott then put the game beyond doubt with a late brace but Arsene Wenger was left counting the cost of his victory after losing three first team players to injury.
Centre-back pairing Per Mertesacker and Gabriel both went off injured, as did substitute Aaron Ramsey.
Here are five things we learned...
1. Hull seem destined for the Premier League
Steve Bruce kept his job after relegation, kept the majority of the squad together and the KC is a Premier League stadium in all but name.
It creates a good atmosphere - even with a 7pm kick-off - and they look well placed for promotion back to the top flight.
They have proved again over the course of two games against top class opposition they can compete in the Premier League.
2. Unlikely friendship
Arsene Wenger and Steve Bruce are very good pals. In fact, Wenger likes Bruce as much as anyone from the managerial old guard.
It’s surprising when you consider Bruce is a former Manchester United player, one of the Fergie era and yet is a good mate of Wenger’s.
Bruce stood up for Wenger’s record and reputation before the game and their relationship stretches back over several loan deals - Bendtner, Muamba, Larsson etc - all the way to Wilson Palacios being recommended at Wigan.
3. Early evening kick-offs can work
This game kicked off at 7pm after a remarkable row over when the fixture should be played.
Why an overseas Champions League game should affect when an FA Cup replay is played is anyone’s guess. But the FA had to get UEFA permission to stage it on a Tuesday of a European week.
Once they’d done that, it kicked off at 7pm so as not to clash with the TV. But it’s good - especially for the 3,000 away fans.
Its hard getting to away games in midweek and the slightly earlier kick-off makes it a little bit easier.
4. Olivier Giroud is the daddy
Just a day after celebrating the birth of a son, Giroud ended his barren run with his first goal in 12 games.
It was a gift from David Meyler’s awful back pass and then Giroud slotted home from close range.
Giroud is often under appreciated as a striker but he is a good target man, quite prolific when he gets in the groove and important for Arsenal.
5. Theo Walcott is captain material
When Per Mertesacker went off with a head injury, he gave the armband to Theo Walcott.
A surprising choice, but Walcott also captained the team earlier this season to mark ten years at the club.
If you thought that was a token gesture, think again. Walcott is clearly viewed as something of an elder statesman by Arsene Wenger.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário