Blackburn 1 - 2 Arsenal

Andrey Arshavin scores Arsenal's winner at Blackburn

Arshavin drives Arsenal's winner in through a number of bodies

By Mandeep Sanghera

Andrey Arshavin grabbed the winner for Arsenal as they showed the steel needed to overcome a committed Blackburn.

Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the lead at Ewood Park, powering an angled shot past Paul Robinson after a slick move.

But Mame Biram Diouf tapped in from an El-Hadji Diouf pass as Rovers impressively equalised.

Arshavin threaded in the winner after a Cesc Fabregas effort was deflected into his path and the north Londoners held on to complete a hard-fought win.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had wanted his side to send out a message that they were capable of dealing with the type of physical approach Blackburn would adopt.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Wenger delighted after passing 'big test'

And, after weathering the Rovers onslaught and earning the right to play, Wenger will be encouraged by the character his team showed to come out on top and enhance their title credentials.

Blackburn did not take long to test Arsenal's resolve, with the visitors nervously clearing when goalkeeper Robinson launched a free-kick into their box, before his Gunners counterpart Manuel Almunia caught a long throw hurled into his six yard box.

It set the tone for an aerial bombardment on the Arsenal goal but, in the opening skirmishes, the visitors almost dealt Blackburn a blow when an Abou Diaby shot pin-balled off an unwitting Vince Grella and Robinson to safety.

But Blackburn were in forceful mood and defender Ryan Nelsen had a header cleared off the Arsenal line by Fabregas, while Almunia had to palm away from under his crossbar after Christopher Samba headed on another long throw.

606: DEBATE

What are your thoughts on the game?

The clash of styles made for a fast and furious game with some unrelenting action as both teams strived to wrest the upper hand.

Samba headed just over from a near post corner before the visitors matched the substance they were showing with the type of play that makes them so pleasing on the eye.

Almunia played the ball out and, six passes later, Walcott ran on to Van Persie's measured ball and took a touch before sending in a shot at the far post.

However, while Wenger might have been fearing the type of 'rugby' tactics he talked about ahead of the game, Rovers produced the type of penetrating move of which the Gunners would have been proud.

Samba showed some nifty footwork belying his 6ft 4in stature before releasing El-Hadji Diouf, who surged past Laurent Koscielny on the left and passed for Mame Biram Diouf to tap in.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Allardyce feels short-changed by Arsenal defeat

Robin van Persie became Arsenal's first casualty as he was forced off with an ankle injury but the visitors' passing game was slowly coming to the fore against the more direct manner of Rovers.

The Gunners restored their lead when Fabregas had an effort blocked from Bacary Sagna's cross before Arshavin pounced to drive in the crucial goal.

Arsenal had a degree of control as they dominated possession and, although Blackburn were struggling to impose themselves, they still carried a threat.

Nikola Kalininc blazed high after a mistake by Thomas Vermaelen but the home side's attacks had become few and far between.

Jack Wilshere missed a great chance late on, although it would only have put the gloss on Arsenal's first away win since March.

Live text and stats

Saturday, 28 August 2010

Premier League

Home Team	Score	Away Team	Time
Blackburn	1-2	Arsenal	FT
(HT 1-1)
Diouf 27		Walcott 20 Arshavin 51

Ref: FoyAtt: 25,059

BLACKBURN

ARSENAL

Possession

Blackburn 42%
Arsenal 58%

Attempts on target

Blackburn 6
Arsenal 8

Attempts off target

Blackburn 8
Arsenal 4

Corners

Blackburn 3
Arsenal 6

Fouls

Blackburn 7
Arsenal 5

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+3:16 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00+1:51 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
90:00+0:39 Jack Wilshere takes a shot. Save by Paul Robinson. Tomas Rosicky decides to take a short corner.
89:51 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
89:00 Tomas Rosicky takes a shot from just outside the penalty area clears the crossbar.
88:23 The ball is sent over by David Dunn, Gael Givet has an effort at goal. Clearance made by Alex Song.
87:35 A cross is delivered by Morten Gamst Pedersen, Gael Clichy gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance by Vassiriki Diaby.
86:27 Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson (Blackburn).
85:01 Christopher Samba (Blackburn) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
84:23 Foul by Vassiriki Diaby (Arsenal) on Gael Givet (Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson (Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
82:39 Substitution Jack Wilshere comes on in place of Andrey Arshavin.
82:39 Michel Salgado has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.
82:13 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
81:09 David Dunn takes a shot. Save made by Manuel Almunia.
80:08 Substitution Steven Nzonzi is brought on as a substitute for Mame Diouf.
80:08 Andrey Arshavin sends in a cross.
78:42 Christopher Samba (Blackburn) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
78:05 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
76:49 Shot by Theo Walcott from outside the box goes high over the crossbar.
75:50 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
75:12 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
74:23 Foul by Mame Diouf (Blackburn) on Bacary Sagna (Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
73:58 Cross by El-Hadji Diouf (Blackburn), clearance by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
73:15 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Theo Walcott, clearance by Martin Olsson.
73:15 Booking Gael Givet is shown a yellow card.
73:12 Gael Givet challenges Theo Walcott unfairly and gives away a free kick.
72:34 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
70:28 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
69:47 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
69:03 Shot by Theo Walcott (Arsenal) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Paul Robinson (Blackburn).
68:13 Morten Gamst Pedersen produces a cross.
66:56 Goal kick taken long by Paul Robinson (Blackburn).
66:56 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Francesc Fabregas replaced by Tomas Rosicky (tactical).
66:56 Shot by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
66:21 Francesc Fabregas takes the inswinging corner, clearance by David Dunn.
66:10 Attacking throw-in by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal).
65:57 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
65:09 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Andrey Arshavin by Michel Salgado. Free kick taken by Gael Clichy.
64:59 Cross by Martin Olsson (Blackburn), save (caught) by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
64:31 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
64:02 Substitution Martin Olsson comes on in place of Nikola Kalinic.
62:57 Theo Walcott crosses the ball, clearance by Michel Salgado.
62:13 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
61:56 Gael Clichy sends in a cross, save by Paul Robinson.
61:20 Attacking throw-in by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal).
60:40 Michel Salgado takes a shot. Gael Clichy manages to make a clearance.
60:14 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
59:44 Attacking throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
59:07 Andrey Arshavin produces a left-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the left of the goal.
57:52 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
57:45 Cross by Theo Walcott (Arsenal), blocked by Gael Givet (Blackburn).
56:53 Cross by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), clearance by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
56:29 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
55:28 Goal kick taken long by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
55:28 Substitution Blackburn substitution: Vincenzo Grella replaced by David Dunn (tactical).
55:28 Shot by Nikola Kalinic (Blackburn) drilled left-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar.
53:29 Shot by Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Gael Givet (Blackburn). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) to far post, resulting in open play.
52:57 Goal kick taken long by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
52:45 El-Hadji Diouf produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net.
52:21 Goal kick taken long by Paul Robinson (Blackburn).
50:50 Cross by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), shot by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
50:50 GOAL - Andrey Arshavin:Blackburn 1 - 2 Arsenal Goal by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Blackburn 1-2 Arsenal.
50:40 Assist on the goal came from Theo Walcott.
50:19 Effort on goal by Morten Gamst Pedersen from long range goes harmlessly over the target.
49:44 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
49:19 Attacking throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
47:49 Unfair challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen by Marouane Chamakh results in a free kick. Paul Robinson takes the free kick.
47:17 Foul by Mame Diouf (Blackburn) on Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
47:03 Shot by Theo Walcott (Arsenal) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
46:37 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
46:13 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
45:36 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
45:01 The game restarts for the second half.
Half Time
45:00+3:05 The match has reached half-time.
45:00+2:45 Bacary Sagna sends in a cross, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.
45:00+0:46 Thomas Vermaelen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nikola Kalinic. Shot on goal comes in from Morten Gamst Pedersen from the free kick, Francesc Fabregas gets a block in.
45:00+0:10 Shot by El-Hadji Diouf from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target.
45:00+0:05 The ball is delivered by Gael Givet.
44:59 The ball is swung over by Mame Diouf, clearance by Laurent Koscielny.
43:38 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) to centre, save (punched) by Paul Robinson (Blackburn).
43:25 Cross by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), resulting in open play.
42:27 Goal kick taken long by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
41:47 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
41:22 Cross by Theo Walcott (Arsenal), blocked by Phil Jones (Blackburn).
40:52 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
40:46 Morten Gamst Pedersen sends in a cross.
39:44 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
39:09 Mame Diouf produces a cross, clearance made by Bacary Sagna.
38:22 Shot by Vassiriki Diaby (Arsenal) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Paul Robinson (Blackburn).
37:02 Alex Song fouled by Nikola Kalinic, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Manuel Almunia.
36:22 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
34:43 Foul by Vassiriki Diaby (Arsenal) on Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson (Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
33:47 Substitution Robin van Persie leaves the field to be replaced by Marouane Chamakh.
32:42 Foul by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) on Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) from left channel, passed.
31:37 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Paul Robinson (Blackburn) from own half, resulting in open play.
29:55 Foul by El-Hadji Diouf on Alex Song, free kick awarded. Alex Song takes the direct free kick.
29:47 Cross by Phil Jones (Blackburn), clearance by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal).
29:21 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
27:18 Shot by Nikola Kalinic from 18 yards. Blocked by Laurent Koscielny.
26:05 Assist on the goal came from El-Hadji Diouf.
26:05 GOAL - Mame Diouf:Blackburn 1 - 1 Arsenal Mame Diouf finds the back of the net with a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Blackburn 1-1 Arsenal.
25:14 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
24:25 Cross by Mame Diouf (Blackburn), save (caught) by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
23:29 Cross by Theo Walcott (Arsenal), clearance by Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) to near post, clearance by Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn).
22:24 Ryan Nelsen gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Robin van Persie. Direct free kick taken by Francesc Fabregas.
21:58 The offside flag is raised against Mame Diouf. Manuel Almunia takes the free kick.
21:33 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
20:52 Shot by Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn) volleyed left-footed from left channel (18 yards), blocked by Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal).
19:26 Robin van Persie provided the assist for the goal.
19:26 GOAL - Theo Walcott:Blackburn 0 - 1 Arsenal Theo Walcott finds the back of the net with a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Blackburn 0-1 Arsenal.
19:12 Nikola Kalinic challenges Manuel Almunia unfairly and gives away a free kick. Manuel Almunia restarts play with the free kick.
18:18 Cross by El-Hadji Diouf (Blackburn), clearance by Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal). Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
17:24 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
17:06 Shot by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
16:41 Cross by Mame Diouf (Blackburn), save (caught) by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
16:19 Attacking throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
15:09 Shot by Nikola Kalinic from 20 yards. Blocked by Laurent Koscielny. Corner taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen to the near post, Christopher Samba has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.
14:12 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
13:45 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
13:19 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
12:54 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
12:08 Nikola Kalinic is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Manuel Almunia.
11:09 Francesc Fabregas takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Phil Jones. Francesc Fabregas takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, Vincenzo Grella manages to make a clearance.
8:56 Header by Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), clearance by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) to near post, clearance by Robin van Persie (Arsenal).
7:55 A cross is delivered by Phil Jones, clearance by Thomas Vermaelen. Corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the left by-line to the near post, Robin van Persie manages to make a clearance.
7:31 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
7:17 Vincenzo Grella delivers the ball, clearance by Laurent Koscielny.
6:52 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
6:09 Free kick awarded for a foul by Alex Song on Mame Diouf. Paul Robinson takes the free kick.
5:30 Defending throw-in by Michel Salgado (Blackburn).
5:17 Cross by Gael Clichy (Arsenal), clearance by Gael Givet (Blackburn).
4:42 Goal kick taken long by Manuel Almunia (Arsenal).
4:05 The referee blows for offside. Paul Robinson takes the indirect free kick.
3:27 Shot by Vassiriki Diaby (Arsenal) volleyed left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn).
3:05 Short corner taken by Robin van Persie.
2:27 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
1:31 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
1:22 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
0:30 Andrey Arshavin challenges Christopher Samba unfairly and gives away a free kick. Paul Robinson takes the free kick.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Potenshöjande medel - potenshöjande medel

Sport Forward

Saturday, August 28, 2010