Gunners Break down the Fortress

Goals to Theo Walcott and Arshavin ensured Arsenal scraped all 3 points at Ewood Park, despite a gallant effort from the home boys, and a first Rovers Premier League goal for starlet, M B Diouf...

It was built up all week as a game of 2 styles of football, with both managers making claims, and defending the opposing claims. However it was on the pitch were the game was settled, and unfortunately for Blackburn, luck favoured the Gunners.

Allardyce sent out the tried and tested 4-4-2, with Phil Jones and Vince Grella playing the central midfield position. MB Diouf and Kalinic were paired up together up front in a sign of intent.

Both teams had early opportuities to open the scoring. An Abou Diaby strike from the 18 yard mark struck Vince Grella, taking a wicked deflection, however Robinson managed to pull of a save. Blackburn then had a chance on the other end, with Nelsen having the keeper beaten with a header, however Fabregas was on the line to clear to safety.

Blackburn started peppering the Arsenal box,however El Hadji Diouf could not find his namesake open in the box, a good chance gone begging.

Arsenal did manage to score though, a fast counter saw Fabregas split the Rovers defence with a through ball into Theo Walcotts path, the young Englishman striking into the far corner of the net, 1-0 Arsenal

It did not take Blackburn too long to restore parity, and it was the Diouf show! El Hadji Diouf carved up his man, running around him, then cutting the ball for MB Diouf, who out foxed his man, striking into an open net..... 1-1

The second half continued the exciting encounter, with both teams pushing for the lead. Unfortunately for Rovers, luck favoured the Gunners, with Arshavin pouncing on a blocked Fabregas shot,beating the approaching Robinson to the ball, and into the back of the net...2-1 Arsenal

Dunn came on for Grella in an attempt to add some creativity in midfield, however this rather had the opposite effect, with the Blues losing their bite in midfield, leaving Arsenal to carry out the final 30 minutes with little threat to their goal.

So a home loss for Rovers, with Sam Allardyce left dissapointed at the lack of opportunities created, and a loss to his nemesis Mr Wenger

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