Lukas Podolski was delighted as FA Cup finalists Arsenal moved back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League thanks to a 3-1 win over West Ham.

Against the run of play, the Hammers took the lead at The Emirates 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.

Olivier 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.

Podolski then made the points safe with just over 10 minutes to go.

"After the FA Cup it was important that we switch on to the Premier League....we must fight for the fourth place," said the forward.

"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 tonight 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."

For West Ham, who had not played since the home defeat to Liverpool on April 6, it meant their second loss in a row and Sam Allardyce's side are not yet safe.

Six wins from their last 11 games has seen the Hammers climb away from trouble but they are currently seven points above the drop zone with four matches remaining.

Allardyce said: "We'd done so much up until Arsenal's equaliser.

"But probably the one thing that disappointed me was we didn't create more from our opportunities in the first half."