ARSENAL SHOW RIVALS HOW TO PLEASE

HAVING triggered a national debate about the boring football played by champions Chelsea on their last outing, Arsenal had a duty to perform with some degree of adventure. Unfortunately for Hull, they managed it, swamping Steve Bruce’s team with three first-half goals and reactivating the relegation alarm bells in this East Yorkshire city. Alexis Sanchez (right) scored twice and Aaron Ramsey once as Arsenal raced ahead, but Stephen Quinn lifted Hull spirits with a goal early in the second half. Hope washed around the KC Stadium as the match kicked off but instead it turned out to be a good night for Leicester, and others fighting the drop, and more fuel for the theory that Arsenal are at their best when the pressure is off. Arsene Wenger’s team have little left to play for in the league beyond the honour of finishing in the top two for the first time in a decade and to supply firm evidence in support of those who sang ‘Boring, boring Chelsea’ during the goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium. Hull might have had a chance to strike first through Sone Aluko. Robbie Brady crossed from the left to find the former Aberdeen and Rangers striker unmarked at the back post, but his header was tame and was cleared. The miss took on extra significance after 28 minutes when Sanchez curled in a free-kick with the help of a heavy deflection in the wall, which wrong-footed Harper. Five minutes later, it was Brady’s turn to help out Arsenal. Ramsey, just back on the pitch after treatment for a twisted ankle following a Tom Huddlestone challenge, collected a long pass from Santi Cazorla. He turned sharply and shot for goal only for the lunging Brady to divert the ball into the top corner. Again, Harper could do little but look on. Sanchez added a third at the end of the first half, receiving Ramsey’s through ball and rounding Harper to finish with aplomb. Bruce needed the half-time break to regroup. David Meyler replaced Jake Livermore in midfield and, after Ramsey went close to a fourth, Quinn pulled one back. A little hope washed around the ground but Bruce’s men could not build on it. Santi Cazorla believes Arsenal’s current form shows they have to be considered contenders for the Barclays Premier League title next season. Last night’s win means the Gunners have won seven out of their last eight Premiership games and are in fine fettle ahead of the FA Cup Final against Aston Villa. The Spaniard said: ‘Of course we want to win the title next year, but second place this season is for now the most important thing. We want to finish in the Champions League places and win the FA Cup final. ‘The team is in a good moment and we want to keep this level up until the end of the season.’