Arsenal haven't had many stress free weekends this season, so the fact that today's game was negotiated pretty comfortably is a nice surprise. It doesn't take a genius to work out that the return of certain key players have improved Arsenal, but that's exactly what's happening right now.

Then again, our form against these sorts of sides has never been an issue this season; it's those pesky clubs in top seven that haven given us trouble. The way Arsenal played today was reminiscent of how they were playing in October and November, taking whatever the opposition threw at them and then stamping their authority on the game through moments of quality, then winning comfortably from there.

Bruce had said he wanted to have a go at Arsenal and that translated into 4-4-2 with Jelavic and Long leading the Hull attack coupled with aggressive pressing and plenty of balls into the box. Typically, this is the sort of play Arsenal do still struggle against, but I thought Arsenal defended really well. Szczesny, especially, was excellent commanding his area, and met most crosses with a good, solid punch, and generally speaking, the likes of Sagna, Koscielny and Mertesacker are extremely good at dealing with that sort of play.

Arsenal's own play was littered with loose touches and sloppy passes in the early exchanges, perhaps unsettled a bit by Hull's approach. It took a while to get into any sort of groove but when they did, they produced a couple of outstanding goals that the two returning key men, Ramsey and Ozil, played a key role in. Ozil held the ball up well and played a great pass to find Cazorla, and he provided that deft touch that set Ramsey through one-on-one with Harper. Ramsey's runs from midfield have been dearly missed, and the lack of any other player willing to do the same has been a big part of Arsenal's troubles this season. His finish certainly showed little sign of rustiness.

The second goal was excellent counter-attack goal. Arsenal won the ball back when Jelavic decided to flop to the floor and didn't get a foul for it, and it found its way to Ozil in the Hull half. His pass found Giroud's run down the right, and the Frenchman produced a quality pass to Ramsey, who had broke a gut to get forward. His attempt at chest-controlling the ball conveniently dropped in Podolski's path, who had joined the attack late, and his finish was clinical as usual.

In the second half we were pretty much in control. The third goal was the icing on the cake and there's nothing else to say. Once we were 3-0 up we just took our foot off the pedal and saw the remainder of the game out easily.

So yeah, it's two good wins on the back now and you can see the confidence returning to the side. Ramsey's return has given everyone a boost, and while Ozil wasn't at his sharpest he still played an instrumental role in the first two goals. Giroud seems to have found some energy from somewhere, Podolski is lethal in front of goal and Cazorla has been outstanding in both games. My worry after the Everton result was that it might have been one beating too many and that we'd limp our way to a 5th place finish, but clearly I've been proved very wrong.

Newcastle at the Emirates up next, followed by another home game against West Brom and then the league finale at Norwich. If we play like this and keep players fit, that should be a comfortable 9 points, fourth place wrapped up and us in good form ahead of the cup final.

But it's Newcastle we've got to deal with first. We've got the week off, so the likes of Sagna, Mertesacker, Arteta and Cazorla can enjoy a well-deserved break, and hopefully with a bit more training behind him we'll have a sharper Ozil. Gibbs returning would also be a nice boost.

Was fantastic to watch our attacking game at times. So glad to have the key players back.

Ramsey was immense. It was like he never left. Szczesny was massively important in the first half as well. Ozil was great too.

Podolski with 2 more goals. He might as well be the most lethal finisher in the league.

3 more games in the league. Should all be winnable.

This might sound far fetched but if ramsey and walcott weren't injured, Arsenal could very well be in the semis in the CL at least and be competing for the league.

This is probably the first time I have seen Poldi perform well in two games   

Giggity5313 wrote:This might sound far fetched but if ramsey and walcott weren't injured, Arsenal could very well be in the semis in the CL at least and be competing for the league.

Nothing farfetched at all. When a team is missing their best players, it's difficult to go toe to toe with the big boys. Maybe CL semis would have been too much, but I have little doubt we'd still be in the title race as of right now

What a come back, Ramsey.

Podolski.   

Well done Arsenal.

Man podolski when Ramsey and ozil are on always seems to score. Good match.

Doesn't give me confidence about the final.. Or at least I don't think this game was indicative of how they will play. I expect a totally different hull in the final.

And Pleaseee extend Ramsey. Give him the money he deserves.

And Pleaseee extend Ramsey. Give him the money he deserves.

They already have:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140318/cazorla-ramsey-zelalem-sign-contracts

Vandetta pls

Arteta lost a couple teeth for Arsenal Football Club.

RealGunner wrote:Vandetta pls

Lol.. My bad   

I could have sworn these were still impending signings.. Didn't know they happened yet.

  

Great stuff Jay.

Nice to have a, somewhat, comfortable win for once!

Thought after a tricky 20, 25 minutes, we were excellent. Ramsey and Ozil make a big difference. Giroud looks a bit more refreshed and Cazorla has found some form again, as has Podolski!

Delighted. Must win the last 3 though, Everton can beat Southampton and Man City.

Good result
Great to have Mesut and Aaron back

loved our first two goals
thats difference in quality otherwise they were probably better at opening stages

we dealt with their hopeful crosses fairly well but when thay dragged one CB out to exploit the space could have been tricky,in 2 vs 2 should do our homework before cup final ,things can be different,their players will perform

Ramsey showed fantastic fitness level when he sprinted 60-70 yards for counter attack at 88th minute

lets hope 4th is secured before last matchday

https://31.media.tumblr.com/f7f066ae5975067513a5241ac15b3271/tumblr_n4cjgxPS3h1sqjlzlo1_250.gif https://31.media.tumblr.com/01d2943f939e7a4439196d0f3ca3687f/tumblr_n4cjgxPS3h1sqjlzlo2_250.gif
https://24.media.tumblr.com/695888d97692fff54d3075791b340721/tumblr_n4cjgxPS3h1sqjlzlo3_r2_250.gif https://24.media.tumblr.com/112014f50707d6da6d2018aad10b1bb6/tumblr_n4cjgxPS3h1sqjlzlo4_250.gif

    

Spoiler:

I hope he stays, he will be missed, stupid decision to let Podolski go.