Blackburn and Arsenal, both, came into this game after a series of horrendous performances at the start of the season. Both were desperately looking for a win. Blackburn played Fulham last and drew the match 1-1. Arsenal, also, drew mid-week against German Champions Borrusia Dortmund, 1-1.
Arsenal started the match on a positive note, on the 10th minute mark, with Alex Song playing a beautiful through ball for Gervinho who scored his first goal for the Gunners. New signing Yakubu scored in the 25th minute to make it 1-1. With new signings scoring for both teams, Mikel Arteta could not stay quiet and added another goal for Arsenal on the 34th minute mark. Thereafter, Arsenal's misery started and after the half time, Yakubu, who some claim was offside, added another to make it 2-2 for Rovers in the 59th minute. A Koscienly own-goal in the 68th minute added to Arsenal's problems and Blackburn were now in the driving seat till the 85th minute when Morrocan International Marounne Chamakh scored a powerful header across Paul Robinson to give Arsenal a ray of hope. Chamakh, then missed a chance in the last minute of injury time and thus Arsenal lost 4-3 away to Blackburn Rovers.
Statistics:
Ball Possession: Blackburn Rovers 39% - 61% Arsenal.
Shots (on goal): Blackburn Rovers 8(4) - 23(9) Arsenal.
Corners: Blackburn Rovers 2 -12 Arsenal.
Verdict:
Arsenal's misery continues even after making so many signings. Although, Gervinho and Arteta scored, the team still lacked chemistry and the defence was unstable even with the presence of Per Mertasacker. Arteta played well and created many chances but the strikers were not at their best and therefor failed to finish. Blackburn Rovers' manager Steve Keane has been given a lifeline by Yakubu and Koscienly (his own-goal and defence helped Blackburn win). His dismissal was imminent before the match but this result may just prove to be a new beginning for him. Venky's owners showed their full support towards Steve Keane after the match and hailed a new start to Blackburn's season. Coming back to the Gunners, Arsene Wenger should be promoted to Director of Football and a new manager should be brought in. Arsenal, who finished 4th last season, are now in danger of finishing outside the top 7 due to competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who all are playing really well at the moment. Arsenal have lost all their confidence and need a new lease of life if they want to get some results this season. A total change in the team's dynamics and a new outlook can help the Gunners get the desired results. On the other hand, Blackburn now have 4 points from their last 2 games and the future looks somewhat bright if they continue to play like they did today.
Final Score: Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Arsenal.
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