Arsenal 6 – 2 Blackburn Rovers

0 – 1 Nonda (3 pen)
1 – 1 Gilberto (10)
2 – 1 Hleb (23)
3 – 1 Adebayour (27 pen)
3 – 2 Nonda (69)
4 – 2 van Persie (85)
5 – 2 van Persie (88)
6 – 2 Flamini (90)

“Where are you going?“
“Football – be back around 8 or 9“
“How can you go to football today? There’s last minute Christmas shopping to do“
“Well, if you were more organised, there would be no need for it to be done at the last minute. See ya later“

It’s funny but as I get older, I become more acutely aware the instant I’ve opened my mouth that trouble is heading in my direction. As you may have guessed, going to Arsenal was not the most popular thing I’ve done today. Nor is it the least so you have some kind of idea of how December 23rd shaped up for me and why I was not entirely looking forward to this afternoons match.

An irrascible nature does not combine well with Arsenal’s defence this season, especially when each home game leaves you wondering when the opposition will score first. This time a penalty not duff defending at a set-piece. There can be little contesting the decision, Toure clearly making contact with Bentley and Howard Webb had the relatively simple task of pointing to the spot. Another home game and another goal behind but there was something different this time. The players looked annoyed at the decision but there was no resigned looks on faces. A feeling that whatever happens, today was the day when the Emirates hoodoo was finally going to be put to bed. Well, OK you could not tell that from the stands but there was something different in their reaction. Perhaps the fact that it was not a “stupid” goal to concede, no-one had failed to mark from a set-piece or something similar. This time, it was one of those things that happens in football matches, something you cannot legislate for.

Which was a cue for the team to emphatically bury their record of conceding first and drawing the game. The thrashing that Arsene had been promising from the start of the season duly arrived but the scoreline whilst probably a fair reflection of possession and efforts on goal, belied the fact that until the fourth went in it was not inconceivable that Blackburn could have walked away with a share of the spoils. Or have been chasing eight goals to win. It was another of those games, designed to put those of a nervous disposition into the local Heart Unit and those desirous of a beer or ten queueing behind me to get to the bar, purely medicinal purposes I am sure you realise.

Gilberto levelled with another goal during his reign as captain. It is said that the mark of a leader is that they know when to step down; perchance Monsieur Henry is having those thoughts now. Gilberto’s continued good form is no coincidence in Henry’s absence. It is not the Frenchman’s intimidating presence that “dumbs down” some of the Brazilian’s performances, more that some people thrive on responsibility. And obviously Gilberto is one of those people.

The second continues to prolong the paradox that is Alexsandr Hleb. No-one disputes that he is an immensely skilfull player; I just wish he would finish more often. I’ve said it before and I will say it again; if he could score ten to fifteen a season, he would be worth the same money as Ronaldinho. Not as individualistic but equally important and beneficial to a side. How he can so cooly work his way through the defence and casually slot home yet blaze over from further out is beyond me and probably him, in fairness.

If Arsenal were disappointed with the penalty they conceded, Blackburn will be too. Neill allowed van Persie to get goalside and gave him a nudge, coupled with a boot on the calf, no doubt about the award. Adebayour’s penalty was well despatched, although I was surprised Gilberto did not demand to take it. No complaints however, 3 – 1 and a fair reflection of the game.

Which is where the inconsistency within this side mushroomed. Plenty of opportunities to go further ahead until the visitors pegged Arsenal back with a great poachers goal from Nonda, twisting to hook the ball away from Hoyte’s head into the net. If it had been an Arsenal goal, we would have been raving. As it was, there was plenty to admire, the cross from Emerton taking the ball away from Lehmann and Derbyshire’s header against the bar was well controlled from a difficult angle. If it had not been for Lehmann minutes later, 3 – 3 would have been seen on the scoreboard.

As it was, van Persie scored twice, a side footed finish and a super twisting run turning Ooijer one way and another before curling into the bottom corner. Flamini’s final goal worthy of the entrance fee alone, just for seeing Fabregas make Savage look like the lump he is. 6 – 2 and an entirely satisfactory afternoon’s work. There were faults but it is Christmas which means entering into spirit of the season and not being a scrooge to highlight them.

It only remains to wish Flint, Frank and you all the seasons greetings, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad and a good old fashioned Merry Christmas. Back on Boxing Day with a preview of the Watford game but right now, I’m off to loosen the belt notches with too much food and drink and unpack the Ibuprofen as Power Ranger has a full-on keyboard coming from the big fella with a beard whilst I am sure that Percy will have some equally noisy toys to play with, all Thomas The Tank Engine related no doubt.