In a historic week for both Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, the North London club took on Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger only made one change in the team which overcame Olympiakos with a 2-0 scoreline at the home, where Sagna returned to the starting line-up replacing Eboue. Walcott also returned to the bench for the first time this season and Vito Mannone remained in goal. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry also made a surprise appearance in front of the Gooners and was given a rousing standing ovation.

In the early minutes of the game, the home side was shell shocked by Blackburn’s opening goal after Nzonzi made a looping header over Mannone from a long ball hit by Robinson. Arsenal had to dig deep and launch numerous attacks but were made to wait until the 17th minute when Vermaelen hit a sweet left foot strike, leaving Blackburn keeper Robinson no chance at all. However, Blackburn persevered to give Arsenal another warning call when the visitors launched a counter attack, resulting in a goal deflected off Gallas.

With the home side down 2-1, Arsenal stepped up the tempo. Blackburn’s lead lasted only 2 minutes when van Persie collected a perfectly weighted pass from Fabregas, putting the ball back of the net with a powerful left foot shot. 8 minutes before the half time whistle, Arshavin scored with a left foot first time shot at the same position as van Persie after the same man, Fabregas, sent the Russian another superb pass into the box.

Second half saw more super action from Arsenal but Blackburn were the likelier team to score at the beginning. The home side were give some pressure at the back but Arsenal held on. The 4th goal from the home side came from the captain Fabregas as he stroke the ball towards the top left corner using his left foot, capping a wonderful complete performance for the Arsenal. Till then, the game was fully controlled by the Gunners who were always the likelier side to add more to their goal tally. The substitutes Walcott and Bendtner scored a right foot low shot and a thunderous shot respectively, ensuring the game ended on a high for the home side. 6-2 to the Arsenal, a repeat of the similar scoreline against the same opposition three seasons ago.

Article By – Kelvin Lye