Arsenal head to Hull eyeing title charge

Their 5-0 thumping of Porto on Tuesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, even without the likes of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, had fans inside the Emirates salivating at what could lie in store in the next two months.

Arsenal are in third place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester United and level with Chelsea, and travel to Hull City on Saturday, the first game in a nine-match run-in that looks easier than both United's and Chelsea's.

"We've been written off twice already I think," Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen told Arsenal's website.

"Maybe we will have the last laugh, we will see at the end of the season. You have to focus every game and we will see where we are at the end of the season."

Only four of Arsenal's remaining games are against sides currently in the top half of the table with the potential dangers lurking away to Tottenham Hotspur and at home to Manchester City, both of whom are scrapping for fourth spot.

"I feel that we know we are going into a period where every game is vital," manager Arsene Wenger, looking for his first silverware since 2005, said after watching Nicklas Bendtner score a hat-trick against Porto.

"We are focusing on every game in the Premier League because if you don't do that you can lose anywhere. Already in my mind is Hull because I know that will be a big game for us."

United thrashed AC Milan 4-0 on Wednesday in the Champions League with Wayne Rooney adding another two goals to his incredible season after missing last week's 1-0 win at Wolves.

"He's just sensational and just keeps improving," Ferguson said of Rooney who has now scored 30 goals this season.

"Our home record has probably been as good as anyone's over the last few years but bad results can happen and sometimes they can be a kick in the right direction if you reac