EPL Review: 8 Things Fans Learnt from Arsenal's 4-3 Defeat to Blackburn

Arsenal suffered their third defeat of the 2011/2012 English Premier League season with a hugely disappointing 4-3 loss to Blackburn at Ewood Park. The Gunners enjoyed a strong first half and entered the main break with a 2-1 advantage. However, a calamitous second half demise that included two infuriating own goals saw a struggling Rovers outfit secure an unlikely victory and ensure that manager Steve Kean was able to alleviate a large amount of imposing pressure.

It signified distress for Arsenal, however, with their poor beginning to 2011/2012 continuing. The North London giants crumbled in the second half and evoked the defensive frailties of late last season. Furthermore, Arsene Wenger's squad were not considerably decimated with injuries and suspensions like in recent weeks as a number of key players returned.

Wenger could do little to reassure or detail why the North London giants are in such a significant lapse of form.

"

"It's just not good enough and, of course, we are very frustrated. The spirit in the team is quite willing but if you look at the number of goals we have conceded it is just not good enough. You cannot come here and concede four goals the way we did today. On the other hand I believe that the group will take off but it is important that we can get results."

"

However, it is clear that the Frenchman needs to make significant changes to his managerial status or the Gunners risk falling further in English football. Nonetheless, Bleacher Report establishes eight things World Football fans learnt from Blackburn's 4-3 win over the Gunners.

8. Martin Olsson Is a Diver

It was not the most prettiest of footballing encounters with some ugly goals, periods of play and defending from both sides. However, one of the ugliest moments came when Blackburn utility Martin Olsson completed a needless dive when Aaron Ramsey aimed to intercept his progress with the ball.

The Swedish left back has become an energetic, strong presence in the Blackburn first team since a breakthrough season in 2009/2010. Last season, the 23-year-old was one of the Rovers' shining lights in a dark season, amassing 32 appearances and two goals. Furthermore, upon entering the field of play in the 55th minute, the Sweden international implemented much needed energy and attacking penetration for Steve Kean and played the devastating cross that led to Laurent Koscielny's own goal.

However, his actions were disgraceful and unnecessary and should not be condoned in football. Olsson's smile after the incident worsened the situation.

7. Johan Djourou Is the New Sebastien Squillaci for the Gunners

Sebastien Squillaci was arguably one of Wenger's weakest during 2010/2011. The Frenchman was acquired in the summer of 2010 for £3.2 million from Spanish giants Sevilla and despite his wealth of international and European experience, the 31-year-old was considerably poor in his debut season of English football despite amassing 32 appearances.

The French centre half has endured a long demotion and appears unlikely to find any time on the field during 2011/2012. However, it appears that imposing Swiss Johan Djourou is set to emulate Squillaci's efforts from last season.

The 24-year-old has endured a rapid drop in calibre in recent months despite strong opening months during 2011. Djourou's performance against Blackburn was evidently poor, but many may argue it was down to the Switzerland international forced to play as a makeshift right back due to Bacary Sagna's injury.

However, Djourou evokes little confidence in the back line despite his powerful figure and was often caught in vulnerable positions. The defenders' weak challenge on Martin Olsson eventually led to Blackburn's fourth goal and highlighted how the Swiss is simply not up to the Arsenal standard.

6. Bacary Sagna Is Vital to the Arsenal Defence

There were many factors in Arsenal's second-half demise. The linemen failed to recognise Yakubu's offside positioning as the Nigerian striker scored Blackburn's third. Furthermore, two unfortunate concessions of own goals is tremendously unlucky. However, one of the biggest influences in Arsenal's failure at Ewood Park would have to be the injury sustained to right back Bacary Sagna early in the second half.

The Frenchman was forced from the field in the 52nd minute with a hamstring complaint, thus sending Johan Djourou to enter the fray. Sagna, who is considered one of World Football's best right backs, was solid in defence and energetic in attack before his departure.

The 28-year-old is Arsenal's most experienced defender and his exit signified the defensive crumble, highlighting the vitality of Bacary Sagna's presence to the Arsenal back line.

5. Gerivnho Can Become a Superb Attacking Force

Arsenal produced a glistening start with a goal within nine minutes of the match commencing. The strike came through marquee summer signing Gervinho, who once again impressed in only his fifth appearance for the Gunners. The Ivorian was a skillful, composed force on the right wing and constantly showed impressive strength, speed and skill when dribbling the ball.

The 24-year-old was signed from French Champions OSC Lille for £10.5 million in July and Arsenal fans have been greatly impressed with the versatile forward, despite his enduring a straight red card in his debut against Newcastle after a provoked lash at Joey Barton.

Gervinho provided sufficient width, pace and a clinical edge to the Arsenal attack and appears to have adapted strongly to the physicality and intensity of English Football. As the campaign ages, the Ivorian is destined to develop rapidly and become an attacking star.

4. Marouane Chamakh Needs More Game Exposure to Reignite Confidence

No one is quite sure what happened to Marouane Chamakh. Whether the Moroccan striker endured a truamatic experience that greatly affected his football or there is simply no desire for the forward remains to be seen.

After signing as a free agent from Girondins Bordeaux at the start of last season, the 27-year-old made an immediate impact, amassing 10 goals before the new year. Chamakh appealed to fans with his composure, work rate and added dimensions to the Arsenal attack with his imposing strength and aieral threat.

However, come 2011, Chamakh endured a rapid loss of form, securing just one goal in the next five months of football and severely lacking in confidence. Things were still slow for the striker during the recent preseason and first month of 2011/2012, but there was no denying the former Nerac youth evoked his potential during his shot cameo against Rovers.

Chamakh scored a sublime header in the 84th minute to ensure Arsenal remained a threat in the match. With Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, who was injured during the Moroccan's impressive form of 2010, leading the front line as the lone striker, Chamakh predominantly features occassionally off the bench.

However, with more game time the big striker can regain his confidence and add the dimension Arsenal require.

3. Was Arsenal's Demise Easily Foreseeble?

It has been a tough, tough summer for Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, two world-class midfielders departed the Emirates, thus ensuring a huge drop in the calibre of the Arsenal attack. Furthermore, veteran left back Gael Clichy also departed, resulting in a large loss of leadership in North London.

Three high-calibre, high-octane departures that in truth Wenger has not adequately replaced. There is no denying that his deadline day acquisitions of Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun and Per Mertesacker are strong but are Arteta and Benayoun, alongside recently promoted youngster Aaron Ramsey, sufficient replacements for Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas?

Particularly when rivals Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all signing big name players. An integral part of Arsenal was sold this summer, and the result?

Arsenal are struggling in attack and defence. There is no clear leadership. The replacements have simply not risen when necessary.

2. Arsenal Do Not Need a Change of Manager but a Manager Who Changes His Ways

Talks have arisen that manager Arsene Wenger needs to walk out of the Emirates or the silent Arsenal board needs to sack the Frenchman. This is not the case. Wenger is still a managerial genius but unfortunately the Frenchman needs to accept that he needs to change certain ways in order to benefit the Gunners.

It is a complete shock that for six seasons now the Arsenal defence has shown no real significant signs of improvement. The back four is still frail in the air, vulnerable at set pieces and lacks a clear leader. Granted, the absence of Thomas Vermaelen is taking a toll as the Belgian is the defensive leader and one of the best centre halves in the Premier League.

Wenger needs the back four to mark men rather than space, particularly from set pieces. Furthermore, the Arsenal manager needs to address lacklustre individual performances. For some reason he has constantly shown faith in a struggling Andrei Arshavin even though he has just signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, one of the best teenagers in England, for £15 million. Furthermore, allowing the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Robin van Persie to become anonymous in periods is a worry.

Wenger is a smart manager and one would expect the situation to improve.

1. These Are Still Early, Early Days. Patience.

This was only Arsenal's fifth Premier League match of the season. The Gunners have 33 more games to play, and in that period the relatively new squad will adapt to one another. The likes of Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere will return, and finally confidence will emerge.

Since the season began there have been many distractions. Suspensions, UEFA Champions League qualification, disgruntled and unwanted players and of course injuries. However, as the season ages, Arsenal will mature and display the ability to regain their place in the English Premier League Top 4.

The squad has sufficient depth and calibre whilst Wenger will implement a desperation mentality.