Arsenal 6 - 2 Blackburn Rovers

I have long since resigned myself that this is going to be a rather futile post simply because I have run out of superlatives. Nevertheless I'll have a go.

I don't think I have ever seen a team attack so well. I don't think I've ever seen a keeper have such a good game yet still concede six. I'm not entirely sure I've ever seen Fabregas play so well. And I've never seen a team win six nil where each goal would be a serious candidate for Match of the Day's goal of the month. All of this in front of Thierry Henry who must be fairly upset that he now plays for a team who's football, quite frankly, pales in comparison.

Through all of the genial attacking play though, we must not forget the defensive side of the game. Although individually each of the back four had a good game, together they weren't so reassuring. The understanding establised between Vermaelen and Gallas seemed to have diminished ever so slightly, hopefully not permanently. One underlying moment was just after David Dunn had been felled in the box (I still say no penalty, but I would) the ball was sitting in between Vermaelen, Gallas and two other Arsenal players none of whom could decide who to take the ball. Eventually Dunn almost had time to get up and retake possession of the ball before Diaby managed to bundle clear with it. Worrying moments indeed, however this kind of school boy defending happened only once. Nevertheless, Blackburn's first scrappy goal should have been dealt with, if not by a defence that was not struggling and back pedalling, at least by a non-stranded Vito Mannone. As it was the Arsenal line were struggling and back pedalling, and Mannone was stranded. It was almost as if the back line had underestimated how far Robinson could kick it, and Mannone had overestimated.

Enough of that, it's almost taking away the glory of a sensational pure footballing victory. Something which Sam Allardyce seems intent on doing. It was hardly a turning point you fat toad. The way which Arsenal came back from the first two goals, would have happened again should Blackburn have got a penalty, and scored from it.

Each goal was sensational. Whether it was an individual effort from Vermaelen, Fabregas or Bendtner or the goals occuring from sumptuous approach play a la van Persie, Arshavin or Walcott, each goal was from out the very top drawer. And each goal deserved to be watched again and again today by myself. Which they will.

Onto the player ratings.
Mannone - 6.5. For the first goal I think he either should have come for the ball or stayed on his line. In the end, he did neither, and was stranded. Something I remember happening to him against Stoke reserves last year. However he made up for it somewhat with good stops from Olsson and Dunn.
Sagna - 6.5. I've said before that at home against easy opposition (yes Allardyce your team are shit), Eboue should start instead of Sagna at right back. And I maintain that. Although Sagna didn't really do anything wrong, Eboue would have offered a lot more in this match. Also, I've noticed Sagna side-foots a lot of crosses instead of whipping them in. Something for the training ground Arsene? Please?
Clichy - 7. Clichy is excellent at closing down high up the field, but recently has been known to allow a lot of space in behind him. He had a fairly good game today and joined in with the attacking more than the other wing back, but I think it's time Gibbs was given a chance, especially at home against a rubbish team. At the moment, he's just sitting on the bench, neither playing for the firsts not the reserves.
Gallas - 7. Gallas was ok. Can't really think of much else.
Vermaelen - 8. Well, as an allround football player, I honestly think Vermaelen is the best defender in the league. He may not be the best defensively (although he's close) but as a complete football player he's incredible. His goal was stunning, although at the back he was slightly more patchy than we're used to seeing from our consistent Belgian. That's right, I've labelled him consistent already.
Song - 8. He had a tough job, which must have required a lot of will power. Whilst everyone else was attacking (even the players who seemingly play behind him) he had to stay in the defensive midfield position all day. Which he did.
Diaby - 6.5. He didn't do anything wrong. Ramsey would have offered more in this match though. Still, he didn't do anything wrong.
Fabregas - 10. Man of the match. 4 assists, one goal. Forced three good saves from Robinson, and should have had a couple more assists, if only for better finishing (that's right, 6 is not good enough!). An absolutely mind-boggling performance.
Rosicky - 8.5. We've missed him. More importantly, Fabregas has missed him. They both play so well together. It was also evident that Rosicky is getting more and more up to speed with the game with every match. Offered a simply stunning cross with the outside of the boot for Fabregas.
Arshavin - 8.5. He really has now fused with all the other Arsenal players. Offers a different type of creativity than Fabregas, and with those different types, any defence in the world will struggle to cope. Didn't track back as much as he did against Olympiakos however, which was a shame.
van Persie - 9. A very underrated and subtle performance from boy wonder. He led the line exceptionally well, especially considering the physical and illegal play of the Blackburn defence. His goal was excellent, and his first touch and vision throughout the match were also exquisite.
Subs:
Walcott. He immediately added yet another dimension to Arsenal's attacking play, which Blackburn already couldn't cope with. His goal was born out of a masterful team effort.
Bendtner. Nik B came on and looked hungry for a goal straight away. He played somewhere in the front 3, although he was drifting to very good effect. His goal was an absolutely incredible strike, reminiscent of Pires against Liverpool all those years ago.
Ramsey. Looked very neat and tidy when he came on, and sent a few balls over the top that worried the Blackburn back line. Also managed to pick up the assist for Bendtner's goal.

So all in all, a splendid game. The best game I've seen in a very long time. Some praise must go to Blackburn for getting Arsenal going, although not much. Against a better team, Arsenal may not be able to score six (don't tell Everton that though), so we must work on the defending.

Next game isn't until the 17th. Yes that's right, we have to grin and bear another England match. Oh well, we have a win against Birmingham at the Grove to look forward to.
'Til next time Gooners.

Wow

Well that was the best attacking display I think I've ever seen from team in any football match ever. Scored 6, if wasn't for an impressive Robinson, it could easily have been 12. I need to compose myself somewhat, before writing a match report later.
'Til then Gooners.