Arsenal cruise past Wolves

Wolverhampton - Arsenal cruised to an easy 3-0 victory over last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday to strengthen their grip on third place in the Premier League.

Robin van Persie put Arsenal ahead from the spot in the ninth minute after Sebastien Bassong was sent off for pushing down Theo Walcott in the area.

Walcott doubled the lead just two minutes later after playing a quick one-two with Van Persie and slotting a low shot inside the near post, and Arsenal rarely looked threatened the rest of the way.

Yossi Benayoun made it 3-0 in the 69th minute to ensure that Wolves moved even closer to relegation, nine points from safety with just five games remaining.

Arsenal are five points clear of Tottenham and Newcastle in the fight for the last automatic Champions League spot.

Results of English Premier League matches on Wednesday:

Manchester City 4 (Aguero 6, 54, Tevez 61, Silva 64) West Brom 0

Wigan 1 (Maloney 50) Manchester United 0

Wolves 0 Arsenal 3 (van Persie 9-pen, Walcott 11, Benayoun 69)

QPR 3 (Barton 45, Mackie 55, Buzsaky 67) Swansea 0