Lancashire side Blackburn Rovers hosted the Gunners at Ewood Park for their third Premier League fixture of the season. With the same fixture last season still bearing in the minds of the Arsenal and the fans, Frenchman Arsene Wenger would definitely be wary against Big Sam's style of play. Blackburn though were confident of beating Wenger's men, citing Big Sam's so-called "good record" against the Arsenal.
The media suggested that the Blackburn game would be the Arsenal's first ultimate challenge to measure how far the Gunners have come so far since Wenger decided to begin his heavily criticised policy of blooding the youth, as well as to use it as a yardstick for the London side's chances of winning the title.
Final Score...
The Arsenal manager made a few changes to the squad that thrashed Blackpool 6-0 last week, with the notable ones being van Persie and Fabregas picked ahead of Chamakh and Rosicky. Song returned to his key position in defensive midfield as Koscielny was back from suspension. Contrary to Blackburn's style, the Arsenal held onto their much-admired beautiful passing style, which would be challenged greatly by Big Sam's "long ball" methods. In short, Arsene Wenger started with his usual 4-3-3 while Big Sam utilised his favourite 4-5-1 which included pacy Man Utd loanee M. Diouf.
First HalfEven at the opening minutes of the game, one could obviously spot the stark contrast between the two teams. The Gunners imposed their passing style right at the beginning but Rovers did just the opposite by just pumping the ball upfront.
Before the 15th minute, the Arsenal had to endure some aerial bombardment in their own penalty box, with Pedersen delivering long throws and corners to put the Arsenal under tremendous pressure. Almunia and the defence though managed to deal with most of the situation well. The first real chance came for the Arsenal as Walcott hit a strong low corner shot into the net after receiving a superb through ball from van Persie on the right side.
However, the visitors' lead was cut short by Blackburn. The homeside intercepted a pass to Walcott, passing the ball to Samba who then drove forward. E. Diouf then received the ball on the Arsenal's right, leaving only Koscielny to deal with the Senegalese forward, who managed to beat the Gunners' new signing. E. Diouf then fed in a ball to M. Diouf in the middle of the penalty and tapped in a simple goal. A poor goal to concede overall.
The visitors' first half has got a little worse when van Persie was substituted after sustaining two serious knocks on his ankle. The first half ended with numerous Blackburn threats, which in the end was dealed well with by the visitors.
Second HalfBefore the 15th minute, the Arsenal had to endure some aerial bombardment in their own penalty box, with Pedersen delivering long throws and corners to put the Arsenal under tremendous pressure. Almunia and the defence though managed to deal with most of the situation well. The first real chance came for the Arsenal as Walcott hit a strong low corner shot into the net after receiving a superb through ball from van Persie on the right side.
However, the visitors' lead was cut short by Blackburn. The homeside intercepted a pass to Walcott, passing the ball to Samba who then drove forward. E. Diouf then received the ball on the Arsenal's right, leaving only Koscielny to deal with the Senegalese forward, who managed to beat the Gunners' new signing. E. Diouf then fed in a ball to M. Diouf in the middle of the penalty and tapped in a simple goal. A poor goal to concede overall.
The visitors' first half has got a little worse when van Persie was substituted after sustaining two serious knocks on his ankle. The first half ended with numerous Blackburn threats, which in the end was dealed well with by the visitors.
No changes was made on both sides, the visitors tried to press for a winner. Six minutes after the 2nd half restarted, Arsenal regained their lead. The whole move started when Sagna drove forward into the huge amount of space created by Walcott who drifted inwards to pull the home side's defenders inwards, and launched cross into the box. Walcott flicked the ball without notice and Arshavin pounced on the open chance.
Blackburn were always Blackburn. Aerial bombardment from the home side intensified with the aim of snatching a late equaliser. However, the Arsenal coped with the situation well and was more than able to cut out any potential dangerous situations. On a number of occasions, the Arsenal were given chances to launch counterattacks, with Wilshere coming the closest towards adding to the Arsenal's two goal lead.
The game ended 2-1 at Ewood Park as the Arsenal fans enjoyed a great win against one of the two most physical teams in the Premier League.
Coming up later today, The Arsenal Press will post our final thoughts on the game. So keep it logged onto The Arsenal Press!
Blackburn were always Blackburn. Aerial bombardment from the home side intensified with the aim of snatching a late equaliser. However, the Arsenal coped with the situation well and was more than able to cut out any potential dangerous situations. On a number of occasions, the Arsenal were given chances to launch counterattacks, with Wilshere coming the closest towards adding to the Arsenal's two goal lead.
The game ended 2-1 at Ewood Park as the Arsenal fans enjoyed a great win against one of the two most physical teams in the Premier League.
Coming up later today, The Arsenal Press will post our final thoughts on the game. So keep it logged onto The Arsenal Press!
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