A WIN BUT WOE FOR WENGER

THIS IS turning into one of those difficult periods for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. Even when things go right, they go wrong. The good news from Humberside was another FA Cup victory — Arsenal haven’t lost one of these ties for three years — and two useful goals each for Olivier Giroud, a centreforward in need of a little confidence, and Theo Walcott. Beyond that, however, the bulletin was bleak as Arsenal finished this low-key evening with three fresh injuries. Central defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel departed before the hour, while Aaron Ramsey lasted 16 minutes as the latter’s replacement before hobbling off. With their quarter-final at home to Watford to come on Sunday and then a Mission Improbable in the Champions League at Barcelona next week, Wenger will have flown home last night satisfied with an important result but perhaps wondering what shape his squad will be in by the time Barclays Premier League duty resumes at Everton a week on Saturday. As much as they went on to dominate in the second half, Arsenal’s early play was too slow and they were fortunate to go in a goal up at the interval. Their cause wasn’t helped by an early head injury for Mertesacker, after a clash with Hull’s Manchester United loanee Nick Powell. But then David Meyler made a dreadful error by his own byeline, passing the ball across goal and then watching as Giroud scored his first goal in 12 games from close range. So, the first goal Hull had conceded at home since mid-December was a very bad one indeed. In the 54th minute the home side launched one of their increasingly rare attacks and, when defender Gabriel leaped to challenge Mo Diame, he fell to the ground and did not get up again right away. After a spell of treatment, he was replaced by Ramsey, who promptly suffered an injury himself. Soon after, however, Arsenal killed the game. Walcott, hitherto quiet, crossed from the left and Giroud finished smartly on the half volley from seven yards. From here on in, the contest was over. Arsenal hoped for no more injuries and Hull for no more goals. Only one team got their wish as Walcott struck twice late on to embarrass Hull a little. They did not deserve that.