Despite going behind twice Arsenal managed to overcome a determined Blackburn side. Arsenal's frail defence was saved by three goals in each half from six different scorers.

Sam Allardyce fielded a 4-5-1 formation and when Blackburn took the lead it seemed there was a long afternoon in stall for the Gunners. However since Blackburn were missing their two

first choice central defenders, Samba and Nelsen, they were overrun by Arsenal's stylish attacking form.

Arsenal 6 Blackburn 2

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Blackburn broke the deadlock when a Paul Robinson free-kick was lofted into the Arsenal penalty area and Stephen Nzonzi managed to out jump Thomas Vermaelen to loop the ball over a floundering Vito Mannone. Mannone will have been disappointed with himself here; especially after his heroics at Craven Cottage a week before.
 
A more determined Arsenal side than previous years replied to the set back well. Cesc Fabregas hit the bar with a header and Andrei Arshavin also went close with a volley. But it was

Arsenal top scorer Thomas Vermaelen who levelled with a sweetly struck shot from the edge of the area after the referee played a good advantage.
 
As Arsenal pressed for the lead Blackburn scored a breakaway second. A good ball by El Hadji Diuof released Blackburn into a three on three and David Dunn managed to guide the ball into

the net via a deflection off William Gallas. However it only took four minutes for Arsenal to equalise again when Cecs Fabregas slid in Robin Van Persie onto his favoured left foot and he

duly beat Robinson.
 
Blackburn would have been content to take the draw into the half time dressing room but it was not to be as it was Arsenal's turn to play the long ball. A Mannone goal kick was flicked on

by van Persie to Fabregas who simply threaded in Arshavin behind the defence and it was 3-2. Arsenal could have even wrapped the game up before halftime when another Fabregas

header was saved after Tomas Rosicky's outside of the boot cross.
 
Arsenal were in celebratory mood for two reason. Firstly Arsene Wenger surpassed Wayne Allison as Arsenal's longest serving manager and secondly Thierry Henry made a return and was

warmly greeted by the bemused Arsenal fans. It was a typical performance of the Wenger years with an unconvincing defence whilst at the same time Arsenal were in control for almost

all of the game. Although a vital refereeing decision made sure the momentum stayed with Arsenal. Sam Alladryce had cause for complaint and voiced his opinion after the match as

Vermaelen appeared to trip David Dunn in the penalty area.
 
Not long after Blackburn's penalty appeal Arsenal were four two up when Cesc Fabregas emphatically volleyed into the top corner leaving Paul Robinson rooted to the spot. He kissed the

badge and saluted Henry. This goal led both teams to wring the changes. Blackburn brought on the experience of Benni McCarthy for David Dunn who was arguably Blackburn's best player.
 
Meanwhile a well rested Theo Walcott replaced Rosicky who made one of his first starts after a long layoff. Watcott made an immediate impression and gave the on looking Thierry Henry

an almost faultless performance. With fifteen minutes to go he made it 5-2 when Arsenal put together a flowing move. Yet again Cesc Fabregas deftly touched the ball onto Walcott who

confidently finished. Arsenal saved the best till last when Nicklaus Bendtner rifled home from outside the area after missing a much easier chance moments before.
 
Arsenal were simply too good for Blackburn but should still be concerned by the way they are leaking goals. Although they now have the best goal difference in the league and should not

be written off to be challenging for honours come may. Thankfully for Arsenal Cesc Fabregas says he is 100% commited to the club. He gave an incredible performance today. Four assists

and a goal of the month contender will make the club very happy.
 
Will Jones