Both teams started off with a flurry, trying to connect an early goal to set the tone. In the first ten minutes both had chances at the goal, but none did the job.
In the 16' Blackburn had a chance to start the scoring when Samba headed just inches over the bar.
Theo Walcott, who was left off the World Cup squad for England, eventually found the first goal in the 20' minute when van Persie sent a perfect ball to the outside corner of the box. Walcott had no problem converting. ARSENAL 0-1
Arsenal's inability to put away games last season came back to bite them in the 26'. New defensive signee Laurent Koscielny, who has had difficulty keeping up with the pace of the EPL, showed his naivete against El Hadji Diouf. The Senagalese easily stepped around him and fired through to the middle of the box in the 26' to a smartly-advancing Mame Biram Diouf. 1-1.
Cesc Fabregas, the Gunner captain, had problems keeping up in the first half as well. His poor play in the midfield gave the Rovers more chances than they should have had. Perhaps it was too early for Cesc to start a match, even though he wasn't a starter for the Spanish team in the WC. The other WC finalist, van Persie (who has somewhat of a glass jaw), fell to the carpet several times and was finally subbed off for MAROUANE CHAMAKH in the 35'.
SECOND HALF
The bright spot for Blackburn in both halves was Kalinic. He seemed to be the only player on defense and he gave the Gunner strikers a run for their money.
In the 51' Arshavin scored on a rebound after Fabregas tried to score off Walcott's back. The ball fell to the Russian's feet and he threaded the needle. ARSENAL 1-2
Despite scoring the goals, Arshavin and Walcott showed their weaknesses as well. Once they score they become very cocky and make poor decisions because of it. With men open in the box, they instead try to take on three defenders or they shoot from the next county. When they play teams who are better, other than the creampuffs they have matched up against thus far (including Liverpool), those wasted chances will turn into dropped points.
Because of their poor decisions, Chamakh had virtually no impact on the match. Arsenal have to be the world's worst set-piece team (other than Chelsea). Now that they have Marouane, they should try to capitalize (as they did last week with his heading goal) on his height in the box. But their corners from Fabregas were POOOOOR! They never made it past the first man, or they sailed over everyone, wasting Chamakh's talent.
Arsene Wenger must have agreed with me and subbed off Fabregas in the 68' for Rosicky, who has shown a lot of pep in the pre-season.
The last few minutes were filled with fury, with Blackburn desperate for an equalizer. They came close twice and that had to have Wenger's boxers in a twist. The Gunners managed to hang on and garner the three points.
To Arsene,
Please start Marouane. He isn't crocked and he won't fall to the ground with "injuries." Get him some proper service and he will show you what he can do!
Marouane battling Samba
Marouane with two defenders
Today was Yoann Gourcuff's first match with Lyon. I miss my Chamcuff photos, but Yoann gave everyone a treat when it was revealed he would wear the number......
29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chamcuff lives! (even if they are a Channel apart)
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