Arsenal cruise past tame Hull

Hull City 1 Arsenal 3: There are occasions when the recurring criticism of Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger simply appears absurd.

This was one of them as Wenger’s team’s produced a performance that illustrated all their best qualities, albeit against a Hull City side, whose limitations were exposed on a night that fuelled their relegation concerns.

Alexis Sanchez scored two of their goals as Arsenal stylishly eased to a victory that lifted them five points clear of fourth-placed Manchester United and represents a substantial step towards guaranteeing they will play Champions League football next season for the 18th year in succession. Aaron Ramsey was also on target for a team that has now scored 99 goals in all competitions this season.