A trip to Ewood Park is never going to look good on paper, and is rarely a classic. Any game against a Mark Hughes based side is always going to be tough, and with an Arsenal injury list including the like of Samir Nasri, Diaby, new boy Silvestre and long term injuries to Eduardo and Rosicky this was going to be a tough match.
After his midweek exploits for England, Theo Walcott lined up to start the game having scored his first International hattrick only days earlier, however this time it was to be Emmanuel Adebayor who would grab all the headlines.
Theo Walcott was the creator of the first Arsenal goal with a jinking delightful run, finding the trusted left boot of Robin Van Persie who slotted past Paul Robinson to open the scoring after just 8 minutes. The scoreline might suggest a rout, but Blackburn did have their moments in the first half, exposing a decidedly wobbly Arsenal defence. The Gunners held firm, perhaps more to poor finishing rather than great defending, but clean sheets are what potential Champions are all about. Arsenal would hold the lead through until seconds before the break when Denilson lofted a delightful cross over to an onrushing Adebayor who happily headed home his first of the season. The Adebayor party had started, and he was to become centre stage.
The Gunners blasted off the blocks after the break, and frankly, Rovers were never at the races. Chances came and went, leaving the scoreline looking somewhat flattering for Blackburn. Walcott was replaced to thunderous applause from the travelling supporters by Song, and still The Gunners pressed. Eboue charged through, and appeared to be tripped, although on closer inspection and with the benefit of replays, he was perhaps a touch lucky to be awarded the penalty, which was duly dispatched by Adebayor.
Cue the introduction of young Aaron Ramsey and a new record for Jack Wilshere who becomes the youngest player to feature in the Arsenal first team at just 16 years and 256 days young. In the final minute, a touch of trickery from Ramsey and a pin point pass set Adebayor free. He rounded the keeper and slotted home his third of the afternoon and his 50th for Arsenal.
Job done in some style, and the three points safely in the bag leaving Arsenal in third, a point behind Chelsea and Liverpool.
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue (Ramsey 79), Walcott (Song 63), Denilson, Fabregas, Adebayor, Van Persie (Wilshere 81)
Goals: Robin Van Persie (8)
Adebayor (45)
Adebayor (Pen 78)
Adebayor (90)