Two-goal Lukas Podolski calls for league focus as Arsenal keep up Champions League bid

Lukas Podolski was delighted as FA Cup finalists Arsenal moved back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League for the next 24 hours at least following a 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

Against the run of play, West Ham took the lead five minutes before the break as Matt Jarvis headed home from close range, but Podolski equalised four minutes later after picking up Santi Cazorla's cross in the penalty box.

Giroud put the Gunners ahead 10 minutes after the break as he collected Thomas Vermaelen's fine ball in the box and sent it through Adrian's legs to make it 2-1 and Podolski made the points safe with just over 10 minutes to go.

Podolski told Sky Sports 1: "After the FA Cup it was important that we switch on to the Premier League....we must fight for the fourth place. We want to play next year in the Champions League - it is very important and we must watch from game to game.

"Today was the first step which was very important, now let's focus on our next game."

Arsene Wenger's side, who reached the FA Cup final after a penalty shootout win over holders Wigan on Saturday, moved one point above fifth-placed Everton, who take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as the battle for the last Champions League spot intensifies.

Man of the match Cazorla knows how important their next match is, as they look to finish in the top four.

Arsenal next take on Hull away on Sunday before facing Newcastle, West Brom and Norwich, and Cazorla said: "The most important thing tonight was the win, we need to win all the games."

On the link up with Podolski for the opener, he added: "It's easy when I have an understanding with Lukas, always in training every day. The most important thing was the win and now we freshen up for Sunday."