Arsenal v. Blackburn 6-2 4/Oct/09

[Photo: Tony Marshall/Empics Sport through Guardian]



After a midweek of celebrations - beginning with the decent win against Olympiakos at the Grove, the opening event of the Highbury square and the 13th year of reign of Arsenal's greatest manager - Cesc Fábregas oozed genius in each and every ball he touched from the game into pure world class geniality. Outclassing in every department the Rovers torrid style, the Arsenal midfielder created havoc in such a manner that, as in his best days, managed to produce four goals a cracker finish.
Outpassing each and every other manager in the history of the club, Wenger has gone through ups and downs, glories and downfalls as well as periods of mediocrity and of the highest sublime in football's history. Daunting statistics offered a secure win on the paper as the Gunners strolled, with certain difficulties, Allardyce's men.
After Arsenal found the pace the international break comes unhandy for Wenger. Many players will either return with injuries or fatigues after what promises to be a deadly and difficult journey to the World Cup for some. Afterwards it is time for the Gunners to visit in the third game of the group stage Holland's current champions, AZ Alkmaar, to receive later Birmingham.




[Photo: Mirror Football]



With the distinguished visit of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and AZ coach Ronald Koeman as well as a fully booked Emirates, the match started in a not so-glamorous hype with Nzonzi heading past Mannone in the 4th minute. There was not much to do for the young Italian as the visitors grabbed the early lead. Arsenal scrapped three clear chances, especially Cesc who headed just to be palmed away by Robinson.
Patience was rewarded and in the seventeenth minute Vermaelen, Arsenal's top scorer, shot a powerful drive just at the end of the box. The equaliser came in such precious time, but Wenger's men tried to keep pursuing the second. Unfortunately Dunn found the net first, after striking between Gallas legs. Capello watched in the stands how the Gunners were down for the second and last time in the game.
Immediately after the lead Robin van Persie equalised again, just after Cesc released him. A powerful shot across the ex-Spurs keeper and four goals in 35 minutes. The impressive run of goals of the Dutchman was enhanced with Arshavin's goal, giving Arsenal their first lead of the match. Rosicky, the other force behind midfield creation, was delivering passes at will.




[Photo: PA through Telegraph]



At the current goal rate, the Gunners were hoping to mimic the savage party of the 07/08 campaign. Robinson made a save at point blank from a van Persie shot. Immediately afterwards a beautiful volley by Cesc came. After some loose control outside Rover's box, Cesc retained it with the chest and put it top-corner. His demonstration of love and the applause of the 60-000 seater were a mere greeting for the vast talent he delivered.
After the substitution of Rosicky, a couple of wide shots came, all wide. While in the beginning of the second half there was an alleged penalty against Dunn, Blackburn did not have any argument against what was coming after. Cesc created another counter attack, which through Arshavin, and laid by Cesc, saw Theo score in his return. Next substitute Bendtner, at 89th, finished the match, which could have gone three or four more goals on Arsenal's sheet.