Seventh Heaven

Arsenal 7-1 Blackburn

Arsenal finally gave their supporters something to smile about on Saturday with the demolition of Blackburn Rovers. The 4-3 defeat suffered earlier in the season at Ewood Park, vanquished with an excellent 7-1 victory at the Emirates. Although Arsenal were helped on their way thanks to Gael Givet’s red card, for a horrible two footed lunge on Robin Van Persie, towards the end of the first half, the Gunners’ hunger as they continued to push forward in search of more goals was highly impressive.

Arsenal signalled their intent from the very first minute and duly took a second minute lead as Theo Walcott raced through, on the right flank, before squaring the ball to Van Persie for an easy finish. The Blackburn defence were in total disarray and simply could not cope with Arsenal’s attacking fluidity and in particular the strength and speed provided on the wings by Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain.  It was like watching Arsenal of old as they looked extremely dangerous with every attack. However they could not find a second goal to effectively kill the game off and as so often happens to Arsenal, they were made to pay with Blackburn’s first attempt on goal, as Szczesny could not prevent Morten Gamst Pedersen’s excellent free-kick hitting the back of the net despite getting his hand to the ball. This was a crucial point in the game; the Gunners could have easily felt sorry for themselves and bemoaned their misfortune, allowing three points to once again slip through their fingers. In fact the players showed great belief and character , took control of the game once again and six minutes later were back in front with a carbon copy of their first goal. Walcott again racing through, on the right, before laying the ball back for Van Persie to beat Paul Robinson easily. Two minutes later the Dutchman turned provider as his through ball sent Oxlade-Chamberlain bearing down on goal, the young Englishman showing excellent composure to round Robinson and slot home, following a bad first touch. With the score at 3-1 and Arsenal in total control, the game was already effectively over before Givet’s needless lunge led to his dismissal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates his first goal

In the second half the Gunners could have easily rested on their laurels safe in the knowledge that the three points were theirs. However they showed great hunger and desire in the search for more goals. In the 51st minute Blackburn could only clear Van Persie’s corner to the edge of the box, allowing Mikel Arteta to fire home his fourth Arsenal goal of the season, before Oxlade-Chamberlain capped a truly wonderful performance with his second goal of the afternoon. Once again the young man showed great composure in the box, evading a last ditch challenge from a Blackburn defender and then slotting the ball past the helpless Robinson to make the score 5-1. Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a real revelation in the past three games, his direct forward runs remind me of a young Thierry Henry, as fans automatically jump up from their seats in excitement whenever he has the ball at his feet. He certainly has a very bright future ahead of him.

Hat trick hero: Van Persie

There was also still time for Van Persie to seal his hat trick, this time the assist being provided by the impressive Francis Coquelin, filling in at right back. The young Frenchman’s powerful forward run and square ball were seized upon by his grateful Dutch teammate, as he effortlessly steered the ball into the back of the net. With the Gunners now leading 6-1, it was left to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to put the icing on the cake, in the 90^th minute, with his first premier league goal since his return to the club. 

At the final whistle the Emirates rose as one to acclaim a truly outstanding performance. Arsenal’s central midfield trio of Rosicky, Arteta and Song were excellent; their wonderful, seamless interplay providing the perfect platform for Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain to torment Blackburn.  The Gunners must now build on this performance and find the consistency required to carry the fight for a top four finish.  When Arsenal perform as they did on Saturday, they are more than a match for any team in this league.