Arsenal 2010/2011: The Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Blackburn:2-1:

After securing there first win of the 2010/2011 in emphatic style against a frail Blackpool outfit, Arsenal now faced the daunting task of travelling to Ewood Park and attempting to beat a very physical Blackburn side.

The Gunners welcomed back star performers Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, thus ensuring a relatively strong Arsenal side. Both sides looked lively early with a number of chances missed from both sides, but it was Arsene Wenger's men who broke the deadlock.

First on the 20 minute mark when van Persie thread a perfect pass to the onrushing Theo Walcott who then finished in scintillating fashion.

Blackburn drew level seven minutes later thanks to some scrappy defense, but just over five minutes into the second half, Andrei Arshavin scored with sublime effort after a lose ball fell his way in the box.

Arsenal than managed to keep out a later Blackburn onslaught to gain a well deserved three points in what was an exciting encounter.

These games are what win titles; so often the footballing world has witnessed Arsenal falter in occasions like these which is why the win becomes so much more assuring.  

The Gunners defending deserves more credit than its probably received. Rovers sent a number of high crosses and throws into the Arsenal area which Wenger's men defended impressively.

Albeit Arsenal still looked nervy, especially early on, but there is much promise in the squad and the confidence is quickly returning.

The Gunners matched the physicality of Sam Alladyce's men and despite losing van Persie early on to an ankle injury, Wenger can be relieved and happy of his team's effort at Ewood Park.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:7: Solid from the Spaniard. Not at fault for the soft goal and made a number of fine saves as well as looking calm and composed. A confidence boosting performance.

Bacary Sagna:7.5: Kept the right flank tidy and was surprisingly impressive in attack. On hand for the second (and winning) goal with a superb cross, and also enabled the Gunners to dominate the right side. 

Laurent Koscienly:6.5: At fault for the Rovers equalizer. Fell off El-Hadj Diouf as well as being beaten for pace. However did make a number of strong challenges and interceptions. Furthermore the Frenchman shows promise.

Thomas Vermaelen:8: Leads the back line from the front and always puts his body on the line when Blackburn surged forward. Dominated the air as well as keeping Rovers danger men at bay.

Gael Clichy:6: Was harassed at times by the Blackburn attack but did conquer more often than not. However, the Frenchman was guilty of poor positioning at times and did offer a few wayward crosses too.

Alexandre Song:7: Assured in the defensive midfield role.  Despite an ugly hairdo, Song cut down a number of Blackburn attacks as well as showing good physicality.

Abou Diaby:6: The Frenchman provided some decent passes and runs that compliment his skill but too often Diaby seems to lope about lazily. Also gave the ball cheaply at times.

Cesc Fabregas:6.5: The captain still looks somewhat off the pace but did liven up the Arsenal attack as well as leading from the front. Rightly substituted.

Andrei Arshavin:7: A strong performance in which the Russian netted the winner. However the little magician still looks to be lacking in confidence, but that should re-emerge in the coming weeks.

Theo Walcott:8.5: Another strong performance that surely captured England manager Fabio Capello's attention. Scored with a sensational shot and was always a great threat with the ball at his feet. Unlucky not to get two goals.

Robin van Persie:N/A: A beautiful pass to assist Walcott with the opener but than the trend continued sadly for the talismanic striker as he was forced off the field with yet another ankle injury.

Substitutes

Marouane Chamakh:6.5: Replaced van Perise with fair and vigour, contributing greatly to the attack as well as being more than handy when defending set pieces.

Tomas Rosicky:6: Wasteful at time when on goal but moved strongly with the ball.

Jack Wilshere:N/A: Should of scored late on.