Ramsey and Podolski fire Arsenal to victory over Hull

Arsenal appear to be a team on a roll again. Aaron Ramsey's return to form signaled that and it was no coincidence we strolled to victory with him back amongst the goals. It was an impressive and comfortable display against the team we'll be playing in next month's FA Cup final at Wembley. Lukas Podolski once again bragged a brace after notching twice against West Ham in the week. After Everton lost to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night we now have the advantage in the race for fourth as we sit one point ahead of the Toffees going into the final three fixtures. Our line-up for this game was the best we've had for as long as I can remember. The subs bench was filled with options, something we've lacked in recent games. Ramsey and Ozil both started whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rosicky were both amongst the substitutes.

Aaron Ramsey returned to form as Arsenal beat Hull

Where would we be had Aaron Ramsey stayed fit for the whole season? That is the main question that is being asked at the moment. Sunday's game showed Ramsey as though he had never been away. His class outshone everyone else on the pitch as he bagged a goal and two assists. The goal he scored was typical of him this season. He broke into the box before assertively finding the net. Had he been fit all season then we may well be still in the hunt for the Premier League title. However, as injuries have so often plagued us this season, it looks as though it was never meant to be. Ramsey's return to full fitness, and to form is a big relief, especially at such a crucial period of the season when no points can afford to be dropped.

Mesut Ozil played an hour on his return from injury but it was another German that got us talking. That man was Lukas Podolski who found the net another two times after his two cracking strikes against West Ham. His first goal was as good as the pair he scored in the week. Giroud played a lovely ball into Ramsey who chested it into the path of Podolski who vollied home. His second was one of the easiest finishes he'll ever get. Cazorla pulled the ball back to Ramsey whose shot was saved, but the German was there on the rebound to tap the ball into the back of the net. That's four goals in two games now for the clinical forward.

It was certainly no coincidence that with Ramsey and Ozil back in the side we were a much improved team. It brought out the best in Cazorla and Giroud who have been a bit quiet towards the back end of the season. Giroud should've added to his 20 goals this season though against Hull. Steve Harper was caught out by the Frenchman from a back pass but after winning the ball, Giroud fired an effort against the bar from a tight angle. However tight an angle, he really should've made it four though.

Mikel Arteta was much improved despite losing his front tooth in a clash with a Hull player. His passing was more assured and he drove forward a couple of times. Compare that to a few weeks ago when he seemed to always be caught in possession and didn't have many options around him. However, what Ramsey and Ozil seem to do so well is always make an option for a team mate and are always looking to get on the ball. That has been a key figure of our season when the pair have played. It makes such a massive difference having them back!

Next up is Newcastle at the Emirates. They're a side that look as though they just want the season to end and hopefully we'll witness another routine win. However, Alan Pardew's Newcastle always seem to step up their game when playing Wenger.

The teams lineups:

Hull City: Harper, Elmohamady, Chester, Davies, Rosenior, Meyler, Huddlestone, Livermore, Boyd(84), Long(45), Jelavic(69).
Subs: Jakupovic, Figueroa, Bruce, Koren(84), Quinn(69), Fryatt(45), Sagbo. 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Arteta, Cazorla, Ozil(60), Podolski(84), Giroud(73).
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Flamini(60), Kallstrom, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain(73), Sanogo(84).

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Jon Moss.