Arsenal Thrash West Ham To Cement Top 4 Spot

Arsenal got a morale boosting 3-0 win over West Ham as the North London club prepares for their Champions League showdown with Monaco next week in France.

Goals from Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and substitute Mathieu Flamini ensured Arsene Wenger’s side will travel to the principality with their confidence high as they attempt the tricky task of overturning a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their last 16 tie.

The third placed Gunners were on top from the start of a one-sided London derby, even though it took a while for the goals to arrive.

The victory helps maintain cement their hold on a top four place in the Premier League.

It was also the ideal preparation for next week’s Champions League last 16 trip to Monaco, who hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg.

Giroud broke the deadlock seconds before the break as the France striker cut in from the right edge of the penalty area to lash an unstoppable left-footed shot into the far corner.

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey got Arsenal’s second, and his first since December, in the 81st minute when he played a one-two with Giroud and finished with aplomb.

Mathieu Flamini came off the bench to seal the points with an 84th minute goal that lifted the Gunners four points ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United and six clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.