Arsenal close in on top four

Arsenal won for a fifth time in six league games to go within two points of a Champions League qualification place.

The Gunners comprehensively beat Reading at the Emirates, consigning their opponents to the foot of the Premier League table.

Gervinho gave the hosts a first half lead with his second goal is as many games, before Santi Carzola doubled their advantage shortly after the break.

Olivier Giroud made it three with a low strike past former Gunner Stuart Taylor, before Hal Robson-Kanu pulled one back a minute later.

However Mikel Arteta’s 77th penalty restored Arsenal’s three goal advantage, and secured a third high scoring victory over the Royals this season.

Arsene Wenger’s men will move in to the Champions League qualification places should they win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, with fourth place Chelsea not playing until the following day.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star claims that the Gunners boss has been trying to convince Abou Diaby to not call time on his playing career following his latest injury setback.

The France international, who was last week ruled out for up to nine months with knee trouble, has made just 92 league appearances since signing from Auxerre in January 2006.

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