Arsenal maintained their push for a top-four finish with a comfortable
victory that sent Reading bottom of the Premier League on goal
difference.
Gervinho opened the scoring with a close-range finish from Santi Cazorla's cross-come-shot as Arsenal dominated.
Cazorla curled in after half-time before Olivier Giroud drilled a third.
Reading reduced the deficit through Hal Robson-Kanu's
header, but Mikel Arteta secured the points with a penalty after a foul
on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Arsenal had many more chances to increase their advantage, but the result was never in doubt.
They stay fifth in the table but are now just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who were beaten at Southampton, and four behind third-placed Tottenham, over whom the resurgent Gunners have a game in hand.
Arsene Wenger's side have won five of their last six Premier League games and their confidence was apparent against a Reading side who would have done little to impress their new manager Nigel Adkins.
The Royals host Adkins' former club Southampton next Saturday, with their chances of avoiding relegation looking increasingly slim given they are seven points from safety with seven games remaining.
Reading have conceded 61 goals this season, more than any other top-flight team, and are owners of the division's worst away record with just one win, two draws and 13 defeats.
They have now lost three times to Arsenal in all competitions this season, conceding 16 goals along the way - and on this occasion the goals against tally could have been more significantly added to.
Gervinho was their tormentor-in-chief with a goal and two assists, although he might have scored at least a hat-trick with better finishing.
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