Gunners back in the top four

Arsenal 3 West Ham 1

The gap is only one point, and Everton have a game in hand, but nevertheless Arsenal, who go to Wembley on May 17 aiming to beat Hull and win their first trophy in almost a decade, have an easier run-in — on paper — and an element of momentum at last, after two goals from Lukas Podolski and one from Olivier Giroud saw them come from behind to win at the Emirates.

“After the FA Cup it was important we switch on to the Premier League,” said Podolski. “We want to play next year in the Champions League. Today was the first step which was very important, now let’s focus on our next game.”

Wenger praised his strikers for their performances. “When the team went through a bad patch, the first to suffer are the strikers. We had to rebuild that,” said the Frenchman, who also said he had brought in some of the elder lemons in his Arsenal squad to add steel.

“We were tested mentally but we were strong, united, disciplined and determined. It was the oldest team I have [fielded] since I have been there, and I trusted the players. The experience helped.”

For now Arsenal are in that top four — although they looked in serious danger of giving up on the prospect when Matt Jarvis headed West Ham ahead after 41 minutes before Wenger’s side found an extra gear, and extra energy, to control the game.

The first half was certainly nervy as West Ham, who had nothing to lose and who went into the match with manager Sam Allardyce claiming he would be delighted with a point at the end of the evening, started strongly — and quickly burst the bubble of excitement still in the north London air following last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.

Arsenal had a let-off when Bacary Sagna’s swiped effort to clear saw him kick Matt Jarvis, who stayed on his feet when he surely would have had a penalty if he went down.

Minutes later they should have gone ahead when Giroud moved on to Cazorla’s through-ball but saw his left-foot dink saved by goalkeeper Adrian when a right-footed effort would surely have found the net. And Wenger’s side were made to pay for that profligacy as West Ham broke after 41 minutes and took the lead as Szczesny saved an effort from Nocerino but the rebound kindly for Jarvis to head home.

Had Arsenal remained behind at the break then the tension may well have ratcheted up; but they replied quickly, Podolski snapping home an excellent shot on the turn after a straight pass from Cazorla. The second arrived after 55 minutes, this time a long ball back in to the box by Vermaelen superbly controlled by Giroud who, having learned his lesson from the first half, blasted his right-footed shot to put Arsenal ahead.

The goal perhaps justified Wenger’s decision to leave his French striker on the bench against Wigan at Wembley, especially as Giroud has looked tired in recent matches but was closer to his best here. “He has gone through a difficult period but you could see he was refreshed tonight,” said Wenger.

Arsenal could have added to their lead through a Podolksi free-kick, well saved by the impressive Adrian, and they did so eventually in the 78th minute when the German completed a neat breakaway move with a trademark rasping left-foot shot, neatly set up by Aaron Ramsey.

Game, set and match Wenger — who had been booed at Wembley for substituting Podolski instead of taking off the struggling Yaya Sanogo, but who clearly benefited from his number nine’s energy and resolve a few days later in what was an important victory for his side.

Afterwards Sam Allardyce bemoaned his side’s defending. “It’s two errors from us on the first two goals. That’s the key element... all our effort has been wasted,” he said.

The next test for Wenger’s side is at Hull on Sunday — the team they also face in the FA Cup final — so there is time for that Faustian pact to haunt them yet; and you suspect there are probably Gunners fans still a little nervous that the devil may rip off his cloak in May to reveal a Tottenham shirt underneath. For now, however, Arsenal have played his bluff — and may just get away with it.

ARSENAL: Szczesny 7, Sagna 7, Mertesacker 6, Koscielny 6, Vermaelen 7, Arteta 5, Kallstrom 7, Rosicky 7 (Ramsey 72; 6), Cazorla 8 (Jenkinson 87), Podolski 8, Giroud 7.

Not used: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabianski, Sanogo, Akpom, Bellerin.

WEST HAM: Adrian 7, Demel 6, Tomkins 6, Reid 6, Armero 6, Nocerino 7, Noble 6, Jarvis 7 (Vaz Te 78), Diame 7, Downing 5 (Joe Cole 78), Carroll 6 (Carlton Cole 84).

Not used: McCartney, Taylor, Jaaskelainen, Johnson.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)