Mertesacker and Sanchez goals take Arsenal through

There was a weird sense of excitement to see Arsenal back playing in the FA Cup. It gave us the chance to take our minds off what has been a torrid time in the League and flash back to our FA Cup triumph last May. It's a tournament that clearly gave the players a renewed sense of belief as a repeat of last years final saw Arsenal win once again as they beat Hull 2-0 in what was the third round. It was a more convincing display from previous weeks and it was great to see us move on into the fourth round of the tournament. A tournament that we simply have to win once again. There were plenty of changes from the defeat to Southampton as Ospina came in for Szczesny, whilst Bellerin, Chambers, Monreal, Walcott and Campbell came into the side. Walcott's return being the most significant.

Per Mertesacker put in a captain's display as Arsenal beat Hull

You'd be forgiven for thinking that Arsenal's defeat on New Year's day meant they might have been quite hesitant against Hull but they actually showed a glimpse of confidence which must have been something to do with playing at home. The Emirates was significant in last year's cup run, and it looks to be playing it's part in the early stages this year. There was a new found optimism as we got to focus our attentions elsewhere and that's what made it such an enjoyable Arsenal performance despite what was quite a boring second half. Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges and Joel Campbell who was making just his third start of the season had a brilliant chance. He played a one-two with the ever impressive Sanchez before stick a shot straight at the keeper. The Costa Rican should have scored but it showed his willingness to impress.

Campbell's performance was overall quite average and like against Galatasaray in his last start you could tell why he doesn't play more often. Lukas Podolski's loan move to Inter Milan should open up more game time for him though. What was encouraging was his efforts tracking back. On several occasions he tracked back and made some very good tackles on both sides of the pitch. You can see the potential is there and he will surely get better as the campaign goes on.

It was Per Mertesacker that opened the scoring though. The big German has come under heaps of criticism in recent weeks but against Hull he was heavily improved. He was able to easily header Sanchez's corner down and into the net to open the scoring twenty minutes in. The fact that we managed to score from a corner was most surprising but nevertheless we lead. Mertesacker and the defences performance was much better compared to the shambles that occurred at Southampton. They weren't really tested that much but you can tell Bellerin is improving whilst a clean-sheet for Calum Chambers after a tricky spell in and out of the team should give him great confidence. David Ospina also looked comfortable in goal. Whether or not he'll replace Szczesny in the League remains to be seen though.

The second goal of course came through Alexis Sanchez who was once again sublime. Although we could've have done with some height, Sanchez's display improved as a lone striker from the previous game and his movement and finish for the goal was top quality. Santi played it into him before he turned and placed a lovely shot into the bottom corner. The Chilean was offered a rest by Wenger but wanted to play, and you could tell why through the performance he put in. His confidence showed in some of things he tried and was unlucky not to have more than one. He cleverly dinked a shot just over the bar before rounding the keeper only to see his shot blocked on the line by McShane.

Coquelin put in a resolute performance in the middle of the park again and although he does the simple things well it was a good display. One or two strong tackles could've clouded his performance but it's good to see someone in the midfield with the ability to do that for a change. Rosicky's drive and Cazorla's interplay were also exceptional.

One of the most positive outcomes apart from reaching the fourth round was Theo Walcott's first start in a year. He looked somewhat off the pace and his finishing and first touch were lacking but his runs in behind were a constant threat and it's only a matter of time before we see him back to his best. Roll on round four!

The team's line-ups:

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Coquelin, Rosicky, Walcott(76), Cazorla, Campbell(90), Sanchez(84).
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Debuchy, Zelalem, Maitland-Niles(90), Oxlade-Chamberlain(76), Akpom(84).

Hull: Harper, McShane, Maguire, Davies, Figueroa, Quinn, Huddlestone, Ince, Brady, Sagbo(68), Aluko(61).
Subs: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce, Elmohamady(61), Livermore, Meyler, Hernandez(68).

My man of the match: Alexis Sanchez.

Referee: Robert Madley.
Attendance: 59,439.