Gunners fire four past sorry Royals

Ivory Coast international Gervinho, such a frustrating figure for the Gunners, set the hosts on their way after 11 minutes. However, despite dominating possession, it was not until the start of the second half where the crucial breakthrough came again, this time Santi Cazorla sweeping home. Olivier Giroud added a third following a quick break by Gervinho.

Hal Robson-Kanu headed in a consolation for Nigel Adkins' men - the manager in charge for the first time - but there was to be no recovery as Mikel Arteta's penalty made sure Arsenal closed up on Chelsea in the race for fourth-spot and also remained within striking distance of Tottenham, on whom they hold a match in hand.

Source: PA

Source: PA