Match Analysis: Reading 2-5 Arsenal

Arsenal have defeated Reading 5-2 at the Madejski Stadium to move up to fifth in the Premier League table.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 14th minute, before Santi Cazorla completed his hat-trick by the hour mark.

Reading scored two quick goals thereafter through Adam Le Fondre and Jimmy Kebe, but Theo Walcott wrapped up the points for the visitors in the 80th minute with their fifth goal of the evening.

Here Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.

Match statistics:

Reading: Shots 9 On target 3 Possession 33% Corners 3 Fouls 7

Arsenal: Shots 26 On target 13 Possession 67% Corners 7 Fouls 4

Was the result fair?

Yes. Arsenal were all over Reading throughout the match and deserved the three points. Cazorla in particular was a star for the Gunners, as the Royals looked erratic in defence. Arsene Wenger's side played some wonderful passing football and were a treat for the eyes.

Reading's performance

That Reading were going to struggle to match Arsenal's attacking manoeuvres was always clear, but the hosts were disappointing in defence. The first three goals that they conceded were pretty much identical, and manager Brian McDermott will be disappointed with his defence.

Arsenal's performance

Wenger's critics will point out that Arsenal conceded twice against the Premier League's bottom side, but the Gunners' performance was truly magnificent. They returned to winning ways in style and most of their attacking moves were superb and world class. The interplay between the attacking players and the way they stretched the Reading defence down the wings were exemplary.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Santi Cazorla: The Spanish midfielder scored his first hat-trick in the Premier League and he fully deserved his three goals. Cazorla was the architect-in-chief for many of Arsenal's attacking moves and also created Walcott's goal. It was all-round excellent performance from the former Malaga star.

Biggest gaffe

Kieran Gibbs had an overall good game, but he will try to forget his mistake that led to Reading's first goal of the match. Under no pressure whatsoever, he played out a square pass straight to Jay Tabb, who then sent through Le Fondre for an easy finish.

Referee's performance

Anthony Taylor had the game under control and conducted it in a very professional manner. He dished out the yellow cards for the right challenges and avoid any moments of controversy.

What next?

Reading: The Royals have another tough test lined up, as they are at Manchester City on Saturday.

Arsenal: The Gunners will be seeking to build on this win with victory over Wigan Athletic away from home on Saturday.