Hit For Six: Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Blackpool:6-0

After succumbing to a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in Arsenal's first game of the 2010/2011 season, the Gunners then encountered newly promoted Blackpool. Ian Holloway's men galloped off to a commanding start in their first game, thrashing Wigan 4-0 in what could quite possibly be the upset of the season.

But alas "The Seasiders" were brought back down to reality with an almighty thud; taunted, teased, and thrashed 6-0 by a confident Arsenal side. After taking the lead early through some impressive, typical Arsenal build up that saw Theo Walcott curl home, Blackpool were than reduced to 10 men and conceded a penalty in the one motion after Ian Evatt clumsily took down inform Marouane Chamakh on the half hour mark. 

Arsenal had dominated up until then bar a mistimed header from Gary Taylor Fletcher, so the sending off ensured that the Gunners became the sole participants of the encounter, notching an impressive six goals. The Arsenal style was well and truly evident, and it enabled the game to become more and more entertaining due to their quick, one touch play.

A routine win for the Gunners and Wenger will know that the road will be immensely tougher than what was experienced at the Emirates yesterday.

Manuel Almunia:6: Dull for the Spaniard, rarely challenged bar the odd moment of Blackpool attack. Still unclear of what is to occur with the keeping conundrum.

Bacary Sagna:7: The usual solid, no nonsense defending when required, and was lively and handy in attack. A bonus was the Frenchman's crosses were more accurate than recent times.

Alexandre Song:6: A somewhat surprise choice over Johan Djourou for the central back role in Laurent Koscienly's absence. None the less, he looked relatively solid but was rarely put under any real threat. 

Thomas Vermaelen:6: Quiet and anonymous which would have frustrated the Belgian, but he can expect much tougher tasks in the weeks ahead.

Gael Clichy:6: The Frenchman's lack of effort under the high ball almost saw Blackpool find the score sheet. He did contribute strongly in attack though, with some useful balls.

Abou Diaby:6.5: A superb finish to engrave his name on the score card. However, he was clumsy and wasteful in possession at times, also boasting a tendency to stroll about.

Jack Wilshere:7: A assured performance despite being a tad wasteful. A danger with the ball at his feet and always seems on the verge of conjuring up magic out of nowhere. Promising.

Tomas Rosicky:8.5: Made the Arsenal fans forget Cesc Fabregas still played for the Gunners. Orchestrated almost every threatening attack with beautiful, incisive balls as well as terrific movements. Unlucky to not have scored.

Theo Walcott:9: Superb. The hattrick hero was sublime when charging down the right flank and is demonstrating the kind of form England expects of him. Granted it was a 10 men Blackpool side, there is still no denying his goals were of the highest calibre.

Andrei Arshavin:7: A little wasteful on occasion, but did string up some beautiful passages of play as well, as scoring a stunning penalty. Just needs to rid the lazy side of his game.

Marouane Chamakh:8: Despite looking akin to Nicklas Bendtner with some catastrophic misses, the Moroccan sharpshooter was impressive with a neat first touch and movement, as well as a well deserved last goal. Looks like a fine prospect.

Substitutes

Cesc Fabregas:6: Glimpses of stardom, but still needs a little time before he returns to his former self.

Robin van Persie:6: Similar to Fabregas, will take a week or so before back to former self. Could have easily had a double had the talismanic striker focussed better.

Carlos Vela:6: A few neat passages of play that overflows with promise.