What a difference a week makes. Just seven days ago Arsenal had gone four games without a win and had conceded fourth place in the Premier League to Everton. Fast forward to this weekend and the Gunners are in the FA Cup Final, beat West Ham to go fourth, and saw Everton lose, meaning qualification to the Champions League is now in Arsenal´s hands.
Arsene Wenger has spoken this week about how the players now need to focus on the job in hand. With the potential of Champions League next season and a first trophy in 8 seasons, this campaign could end up being a success, despite the undoubted problems the last few months have thrown up. However, first Wenger´s men must pass Hull in this week´s away Premier League game.
As well as giving Arsenal chance to get one step closer to securing fourth place, the game will also be a test run of the FA Cup as both these teams will compete in the showpiece final in May. Hull is still fighting in a relegation battle, so Steve Bruce´s charges will be no pushovers. Although, the Northeast club is unlikely to get relegated and perhaps the players have one eye on that final, especially as the club could play European football next season.
Wenger will be hoping that the Hull players are distracted by a once in a lifetime opportunity to win the FA Cup. The problem is Steve Bruce is unlikely to accept complacency, so the Tigers will pose a threat, especially with dangerous strike duo Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long coming back into the team. As for Arsenal, the North Londoners will likely shuffle the pack, with Kim Kalstrom likely to make way for Aaron Ramsey to start. Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud will probably continue to be the go to guys for goals as Arsenal look to get close to that fourth place.