Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn: Fabregas, Allardyce show their true colours

Arsenal 6 (Vermaelen 17, van Persie 33, Arshavin 37, Fabregas 57, Walcott 75, Bendtner 89)
Blackburn 2 (Nzonzi 3, Dunn 30))

Video Highlights (with bizarre background music by Sting) | Minute-by-Minute | Wenger Interview | Allardyce Interview (watch him make a fool of himself)

Cesc Fabregas celebrates with van Persie and Arshavin

Match Review

The optimists will look at the six goals score by Arsenal – the pessimists at the two conceded – but there is not an Arsenal supporter out there who would have failed to enjoy yesterday’s romp over Blackburn. The visitors may have taken the lead twice and given a good account of themselves in the first 45 minutes but they were ultimately blown away by our boys who notched up three goals in each half courtesy six different goalscorers.

After Blackburn’s Steven N’Zonzi outjumped Thomas Vermaelen to head home the opener, the rampaging Belgian defender took matters into his own hands to equalise and did so with another superb goal, hammering home from 25-yards. Blackburn then surprisingly retook the lead when Bacary Sagna was caught too far forward and David Dunn’s shot was deflected in by William Gallas, but our boys turned the screw and notched two superb goals to lead at the break through Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin. 

Captain Cesc Fabregas astonishingly assisted all three of Arsenal’s first-half goals and he then went one better to score a superbly-controlled volley from outside the box. He chose to celebrate by kissing the Arsenal badge and pointing to the fans but unlike Emmanuel Adebayor who tried the same trick a couple of pre-seasons ago, everybody in the stadium believed him. Great stuff by the little maestro and he wasn’t finished yet.

The shots continued to fly in thick and fast from Arsenal and while it was no surprise to see them make it 5-2, the identity of the goalscorer was little less predictable. Theo Walcott, back after a decent lay-off with injury, finished off a superb counter-attack that involved Arshavin and that man Fabregas before fellow substitute Nicklas Bendtner rounded off the scoring with his first league goal of the season, scooting past a couple of Blackburn defenders before hammering another unstoppable shot in off the post.

So 6-2 it ended and despite the ridiculous suggestion made by Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce that the game hinged on a penalty appeal involving David Dunn at 3-2, we fully deserved the win.

Talking Points

The last two Arsenal games have shown just how important Cesc Fabregas can be to the Arsenal Football Club. While his teammates showed against Manchester United that they can handle the heat in his absence, Fabregas’ output in the Premier League so far this has been exceptional. Yesterday’s effort of a goal and four assists took his tally to four goals and eight assists for the season, numbers that no other midfielder in England can come close to.

I certainly count myself among the football observers who thought a week or two ago that Fabregas looked a little flat and could perhaps have done with a bit of a rest. But since then he has produced two performances of the highest quality, dominating the midfield area and damaging Olympiacos and Blackburn with his impeccable passing and all-round game. He appears motivated, focused and as yesterday’s badge kiss showed, extremely proud to be an Arsenal player which is exactly what we need from our captain and leader going forward.

Fabregas will get most of the attention for yesterday’s win I believe Robin van Persie deserves a decent shout-out as well. There may have been better performers on the day – Arshavin, Vermaelen and Rosicky all did well – but van Persie has now scored four in his last four games and yesterday’s goal was a perfect example of the improvements he has made since the start of the season.

I remember people being on his back for his inability to convert against the likes of Everton and Portsmouth early on but in the past few matches he has been taking his chances with real quality. Yesterday’s goal in particular was a perfect example of the sort of finish the Samuel Eto’os and Fernando Torres’ of the world are so well-respected for and if he continues to get on the scoresheet he remains a decent chance of finishing as the Premier League’s top goalscorer. Well done, Robin.

The final talking point is perhaps the only negative from yesterday’s win – the somewhat flimsy performance of our defence. While Vermaelen can hardly be criticised after producing an all-action display, I though the rest of the back four and in particular Alex Song were not quite at their best against Blackburn. While the manager admitted that the defensive performance was “a consequence of our philosophy” the fact is that the first goal never should have been conceded and too often Song was not doing his usual job of mopping up in front of the centre backs.

While it’s definitely a minor gripe given the nature of the game – I’d take a 6-2 win any day of the week – it showed that Song’s role remains an incredibly important one and if he is not at his best it will put a lot of pressure on our defence. So far this season the Cameroon man has been sensational, arguably our player of the season alongside Vermaelen and Fabregas, but he may just need a reminder from the manager to re-emphasise the importance of positioning himself in the right place to provide our team with the solid base it needs to build from. 

Final Thoughts

In a week when Arsene Wenger celebrated his 13th anniversary with the club he received from his players a performance that was remarkably true to his footballing philosophy. Despite the couple of soft goals conceded he will be thrilled with the attacking efforts by his team as well as the fact that six different players got their name on the scoresheet.

So far this season Arsenal’s home record has been nothing short of impeccable: three wins from three, fourteen goals scored and just three conceded. With Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all dropping points we are now up to third on the table (assuming we win the game in hand) and if we maintain our superb form at home then it’s going to go a long way towards helping the boys build the sort of momentum required to challenge for the title.

There’s a long way to go of course but with the manager having an International Break to ponder our club’s start to the season, five wins from seven and an unparalleled goal difference of +14 indicates quite clearly that Arsenal have made a very decent start to the 2009/10 season.

Let’s just hope all of our boys come back from the break in one piece. 

Have your say on Arsenal’s 6-2 win over Blackburn by leaving a comment.

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Comments

  1. Also we’ve had 15 different scorers so far this season. I’d rather that than van Persie scoring 15 goals by himself.

  2. SF – Great post, as usual. I really enjoyed the game yesterday, despite our defensive frailties. Cesc was imperious and we could have scored even more than we did.

    The only point I disagree with, is that Song has been one of our best players this season. I know that other people have said the same but I just don’t see it. I agree that he is the best player we have for that ‘holding’ position but I just don’t think he is defence minded enough, he lacks physical presence, has poor positional sense and too often strays from protecting the back line.

    It’s a very minor gripe, given the performance but I keep hearing people rave about Song and I just don’t rate him.

    keep up the good work!

  3. it was a cescational display by the lads. i had to watch the highlights over and over. it could have been double figures in our last two matches, if not for the goalkeepers. Just hoping that none of the players will pick up any injury during the break. WHO’S NEXT?

  4. Arsenal is gr8 and d boys wonderful. Xterday match was a thriller it shows d team spirit in d club & if d move continues d epl will be paraded by d red & white army 2 d emirate

  5. Just chipping in to add my voice to the chorus of approval. Arsenal were simply fantastic. Unstoppable. After RVP got us back on terms you just knew an avalanche was coming. It was a brilliant display and Fabregas was outstanding. The badge kissing thing, which can be a bit cringe -making at times I think was different as he was making a point to the fans because of the constant speculation about him going to Barca. Also I know I’m biased but I thought Blackburn were a bit lucky with both their goals. The first, the header, happened to drop right under the crossbar, which was clearly not intentional from the guy who headed it. Later Fab had a header which also sailed over the keeper but hit the cross-bar – that’s the luck see. Their second obviously was completed diverted by Gallas and should have been called an OG. As for the ‘penalty’ – Dunn was playing for that the whole way through the move – he was never going to stay on his feet and as such it’s a fake and so no penalty. Brilliant Gunners. Congrats Arsene. 13 more years please.

  6. @ Maisy – I disagree with you that Song isnt doing his best. Aside from being the best for that position, he has always reacted well.. yeah, he wasant at his usual best yesterday, but for all you think with his size, he is doing a yeoman’s job in that position.
    Andy – another 1dafu review and i thoroughly enjoyed myself yestaday. wen dey scored the 1st goal, i told my broda dat this guys have come to look for trouble & dey wld get it in Double.
    Well done AW and another gr8 performance from Captain Cesctanstic.

  7. Wow!!!! How can a team be so sloppy but deadly at the same time?? I guess thats the Arsenal way! Very impressed with the fight to come back from behind twice. In the end it was a brilliant performance. Fabregas proved what he is made of and why he is captain of the team, lead from the front all the time he was on the pitch. As much as I like him, Diaby still has a lot of homework to do. I think we should sit him in the reserves for a while so he can learn. Beautiful strike from Vermaelen to peg us back and then each goal and build up was more than well deserved. Come on you Gunners!!!!

    Win, Lose or Draw.. Gooner Til I Die!!!

  8. @ Maisy – Thanks for the kind words, always good to have something to disagree on, particularly if the issue is brought up in a polite way. 🙂

    Re: Song, I really, really think he’s doing well. He’s protecting our back four very well and his passing has improve out of sight, plus he really seems to be bringing the best in Fabregas. He had a poor game versus Blackburn but I think he’s been right up there as our best.

  9. I think the attack is perfect (yet dudu and vela didnt play). But against a more organized team, we must be more solid. Song needs more discipline and Gallas is getting slower everyday!

  10. I agree with you regarding that penalty @Hey Nonny Mouse, I don’t know the rules but I think too he was falling just before Vermaelen came into his way, nevertheless I was happy that the whistle not happened

  11. awesome,spellbinding,breathtaking.over the top stuff….that’s arsenal for you!i don’t know any other team that plays in EPL that can match that or even come close!Further afield only Barcelona can try and yes i mean try.I’ll overlook everything else for that match but pen off by saying there’s only one Fabregas

  12. that was a great perfomance but let us judge ourselves whether we r ready if we r goin to dismantle big sides too, defensively, not impressed!!

  13. absolutely stunning performance atticking-wise…and maybe the philosophy of Arsenal and AW is mirroring that of a classic brazil side..just score more than the opposition and you dont need to worry about defending….

    With regard to Song…I think Diaby may be the problem…So many times does Song have to bail him out in the centre of the park that he just has his mind too much on him rather than the job in hand….just my thoughts…

  14. Superb display by The Arse. The attacking on display was excellent and the substitutes; Walcott; Bendtner and Ramsey showd that Arsenal do have strength-in-depth (although, that doesn’t apply to the defence, which still didn’t look solid) with many of our big names still out injured. Although Arsenal haven’t won anything for four years, Wenger has had the sense to blood his young talent and get them playing in a way that any one of them can come in, slot into position and do a decent job. Hopefully the Wenger doubters will be silenced this year by the Young Guns finally living up to their potential and winning some silverware. The main point I wanted to make was that whilst watching the Chelsea/Liverpool borefest, it dawned upon me: In his five or so years at Anfield, Benitez hasn’t bought through ONE young player in all his time at the club. Surely, this should be a cause for concern for Liverpool fans? Yes, us Arsenal fans have had little to cheer about in the last few years but when you compare our squad of players to Liverpool’s, it seems obvious that the Gunners shouldn’t be the favourite team to drop out of the top 4 this season.

  15. The injection of Rosicky back into the team is very welcome. His experience will be valuable. Can’t stop thinking how much him and Nasri seem alike in their play – deft touches with an eye for the killing pass.

    Is it just me or does Fabregas play better when another player who has a strong passing game, – i.e the likes of Rosicky, Nasri, or Hleb?

  16. That sort of display pays dividends when it comes to watching Match of the Day later in the evening. Nothing beats savouring every goal and knowing that there’s a hatfull of others to follow. Diaby is just killing time in that position until Nasri shows up again. Nasri and RvP is a delicious pairing and if it makes us even more potent then it can only be a good thing.

    Anyone see Rosicky’s outrageous outside-of-the-foot chip into Fabregas? He’s still got it! And what’s with all these goals from outside the box?

  17. Thanx for the team performance. And Morale from home fans (don’t forget Hendry).
    But what was Diaby’s contribution in the game? I don’t think He is the right guy for the us.
    thx.

  18. Awesome!! wat a game!!!
    dnt thnk dere’s mch problm wid d defence…d goals conceded were unlucky ones..
    but i think diaby should be removed n replaced by sm1 lik ramsey or even eboue would do better den him! his game was outrageous!!!
    all hail king cesc n d verminator!!!!
    Gonner 4eva!!!!!

  19. For me, Diaby’s performance yesterday was better than usual… He didn’t try too many tricks or head into our goal : )

  20. In general I agree guys good overall performance but Diaby was woeful! Arsene is keen to keep him in the team for some unknown reason so lets hope “Arsene knows best” and there is something special to come from “blunderballs Diaby”?

  21. Excellent performance, Excellent performance.
    Cant wait for NASRI. DIABY is best for now since it seems we’ve no other options

  22. Arsenal is superp with players like Arshavin, Fabregas,Robin and Vaemalen.Kudos to all gunners worlwide.

  23. @MAISY – Were you an ARSENAL supporter last season? How dare you talk about SONG like that?
    You seem to me like a broken record…..stop talking about SONG like that.
    Who would u rather prefer? A 20million signing?

  24. “Almunia’s gone to rehab, I choose Manone-nohne-nohne.” – Wenger doing Amy Winehouse

  25. Andy – I think you are completely correct to bring up Song’s positioning. I think he has the potential to be a wonderful defensive midfielder – if he can stick to that job. Too often we see him marauding forward where frankly he doesn’t possess the creative quality to make a difference in the final third of the pitch.

    Makalele was the best at what he did because he became a specialist. He didn’t venture forward where he wasn’t needed and didn’t attempt crossfield balls that he wasn’t capable of hitting. If Song can become more disciplined and more focussed on his vital role within the team, then he can be Arsenal’s defensive midfielder for the next decade.

  26. But I actually feel bad criticising Song as he has been outstanding so far this season and really got himself up to speed very quickly. He is still young and I’m glad he is in the Arsenal first XI – it speaks volumes that he absolutely deserves to be our holding midfielder.

  27. i liked what one gunner asked about vermaelen. did he come to replace toure or adebayor. but the answer seems to be both! gr8 team! arsene doesnt love to use his cheque book but when he does use it, u see the impact immediately. thats what we have seen from arshavin and tv. gr8 stuff.

  28. Fat Sam thinks a penalty would have won the match for him, ignoring the other six we scored I suppose.

  29. My friends at college reckon the EPL will be between Chelsea and Arsenal this season and one of them (who I am gettin close to) is a spurs fan but he says arsenal are quality this season and they will be in the race the whole season which is nice to hear from other fans, specially arch-rivals. Also can anyone post the link to english commentary highlights, im missed it 🙁

  30. Truly Rosicky is a kind of guy who frees fabregas and is deadly.If arsenal plays with the yesterday four (Persie,Rosicky,fabregas and Arashavin ) upfront in all games with Walcott,Edurado,Nasri,Bendtner and Eboue in bench, sure we are going to win a silverware this season.

  31. i heard commentator calling Vermaelen
    the goal machine after he scored that goal.It’s more a striker finish.

    Vermaelen is a highly versatile player, the moment he moves forward he changes into striker rather than defender.

    Go on “Arsenal-The Terminators”
    He truly deserves the armband in future for his ability to pay back for his mistakes.

  32. I believe Denilson is good too, given a chance to roam freely he is extremely deadly than Diaby.

  33. if fab maintains his form, with nasri on his way back and am keeping my fingers crossed that eduado shakes off that injury early with that happening,i can see a trophy coming to our cabin this season…

  34. Song Started to get his form since February of the last season.I d stick on him for that Job but having Verma beside him as an attack support and help at the midfield coverage with him would really Guaranty us both PL and CL title.We just need to buy a tall Center back(and we really need a tall one like Djourou) to pair with Gallas or putting Sanderos as CB and buying a another one for Subs with Silly.

  35. guys lay off song,fair enough ur points maybe valid but he is our most improved player this season and hes still young.like some1 mentioned makeleles best years wer at 28+ and if u wer to see him at songs age i doubt hed impress you either…fabregas in his interview after made it clear the media and even fan speculaton doubting his loyalty to the club had upset him so i think thats enough of that the guy loves the club and being captain and we should be the last people to question his integrity….let the sun do that
    whether we really hav what it takes to win the league now at least people are sitting up and paying us some attention,surprising after all those pundits who dogged us pre-season….idiots
    dont like talkin bout others but wot did any1 think of fergusons carry on at the weekend attacking alan wiley only 2weeks after being his buddie vs man city….his hypocrisy and poor sportmanship is sickening and really you cant blame their fans for being the same…this was after rooney had lashed out at andy reid and wiley had beckoned him over for a ‘warning’ by calling him wazza twice….unbelievable you could lip read it

  36. its there if we want it, hopefully its coming north, 1 more point, i think Eduardo is better than v.persie, if Eduardo is fit 4 a game he has 2 start, although so does v.persie. is tat just me

  37. I dint watch the game but was able to see the highlights in the PL preview, I remember complaining of Csec dip in form against Fulham but the 2 games he has proven to me that he still is the wonder kid and match winner, 4 assists and a goal marvelous, We now only lack a striker to terrorist defenders, keep the ball and shoot at will, Verma is amazing and Song has really improved the only problem comes when he loses the ball in the opponents 1/4 and has no cover up. Fantastic Arsenal lets pick all the points from the other teams and pick at least 18 points from the big 6 and the PL is ours to lose

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