Can Arsenal go for the title next season?

Withthe swift and convincing 3-1 win over Hull, Arsenal are now level on points with second-placed Manchester City andhave assured a place in the ChampionsLeague for the 18^th season.

TheGunners displayed their best performance in years and were mesmeric in thefirst-half, as Alexis Sánchez’s brace helpedthem to a comprehensive 3-0 lead before the interval.  They demonstrated a terrific team work, were dominantin possessions and looked just as much of a threat on the counter-attack. Santi Cazorla was outstanding from thestart; the Spaniard displayed fantasticspeed, shooting accuracy, capacity to change therhythm of gameplay and excellent close control, as he waspulling the strings.

Sánchez opened thescoring for the visitors in the 28^th minute, with a deflectedfree-kick, and five minutes later Cazorla passed the ball to Aaron Ramsey, whoscored the second goal for Arsenal, through another deflection; the Welshman’sassist for their third and Sanchez’s brace was even better, when he roundedHull’s veteran keeper Steven Harper, and put the game beyond doubt in the 45^thminute. This was the Chilean’s 20^th goal of the season, and Arsenal’s100^th goal in all competitions in the season.

TheGunners had plenty of chances after the interval; Stephen Quinn’s header in the56^th minute gave the Tigershope for a revival in the second-half, but the hope was short lived, as thevisitors were truly dominant.

Thedefeat sees the home side slip to 17^th on goal difference, belowLeicester, and to within a place of the relegation zone. They have a hugely significant match against relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday. Their other two important, remaining games areagainst Tottenham, away, and Manchester United, at home.

Asfor the north Londoners, they have a game in hand of second-placed ManchesterCity, and are now firmly in control of the Premier League race; they are likelyto finish second and secure a place in theChampions League. The Gunners also have a second consecutive FA Cup final against Aston Villa on the30^th May at Wembley, and hopes for a trophy in a few weeks’ time arehigh.