Reading slipped deeper into relegation trouble after being outplayed by a brilliant Arsenal side in their 2-0 defeat on Saturday.

Emmanuel Adebayor put Arsenal in the lead on the half hour mark after being played in by Kolo Toure's cross before Gilberto Silva doubled the lead eight minutes later with a long range effort. Arsenal should have had scored more goals but were unable to take advantage of the chances that came their way.

With hopes of a league title or a Champions League cup dashed, Arsenal were intent on putting up a fight for the runners up spot and came out with all guns blazing. Theo Walcott was in the starting line up in place of Eboue and the England international continued his impressive performance with a good display in the first half.

It was all Arsenal right from the kick off as the Gunners created a number of good chances but were unable to convert them. The hosts finally took the lead in the 30th minute when Toure found Adebayor with a great cross and the Togo international made no mistake from close range.

Eight minutes later Arsenal doubled the lead through Gilberto Silva when his long range effort deflected off Bikey's head before going past Marcus Hahnemann. Toure and Gilberto had good chances to further extend the lead but Hahnemann was able to keep them out.

Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half with Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott hitting the post while Fabregas saw hit shot cleared off the line as Reading struggled to create any chances of their own to slump to yet another defeat.