Arsenal 2-Blackburn 0

In what was to be a game which would have a dramatic effect on both teams ambitions, Blackburn and Arsenal unfortunately had to field depleted line ups. With both teams missing several stars, it was always to be a sloppy encounter.

Arsenal got of to a blistering start, with a early corner whipped in, Senderos blasting a header into the net. It was poor marking by Blackburns makeshift defence, however it looked to be Benni McCarthy who should of picked up the runner.

Arsenal dominated the next 15 minutes of play, pushing on for a second which would not come by. Blackburns first chance of the half came after a whipped in cross. Benni McCarthy could only deflect his header, which Roque Santa Cruz could not do much about. 5 minutes later, Cruz had a difficult chance of his own, stretching out to reach a Warnock cross. However, the shot went over the bar.

1-0 at the break, however things did not look too bright for Rovers. Brad Friedel was forced into some fantastic saves of Adebayor and Fabregas. Hleb went close for Arsenal, striking the post.

Rovers did have their share of corners and set pieces, however Bentley was not on song today, wasting several opportunities. As Blackburn pushed forward, it was only a matter of time, as Adebayor, who had been well marked all game, scored in the deep end of injury time, maintaining his run of goals.

2-0 it finished to Arsenal.

Brad Friedel: Big Brad was as solid as ever. He produced severral fine saves which kept us into the game. The score could of been much worse, he was our shining light.
Fantastic Saves, Kept us alive Contained Adebayor, picked up a slight knock Quiet game, did his job Looked dangerous at times, pushing up and overlapping an unsetteled Bentley Tuggers age is getting to him, not one of his best display, but did manage to maintain the shape of the midfiled Worked well without much support from Berner. Pushed up, tried to make chances and was solid in defence. Worked tirelessly in the middle, he really needs a goal to get his confidence Poor display from one of our most consistent players. Wasted several set pieces, lost the ball too many times, it just was not David Bentley This guy is the reason Morten Gamst Pederson plays every game. Shocking performance. Warnock pushed up more then he did. Did not look comfortable at all. Time to get rid of the deadwood Sparky Sloppy performance, lost the ball just too many times Really quite game, did not get much delivery, however he did make his runs and drop back when needed. No time to make an impact No time to make an impact No time to make an Impact At times it did appear that we could get the equaliser. However, this was all down to Emerton and Warnock pushing on forward, rather then Berner or Bentley. Benni Mc couldnt do much in the middle, with Reidy losing the ball just too many times. Thank God for Friedel.

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