The Game

That was fantastic. According to one of our readers if Arsenal wanted to show they can be title contenders they were supposed to win by at least a three goal margin today. And they did. Better.

Personally, I don’t believe one game is enough to determine whether we can be title contenders or not but this game showed that in the midfield and offensive department we are much, much stronger than we were last season. Tomas Rosicky is back to full fitness and showing how good of an asset he can be for us. Jack Wilshere enjoyed yet another regular start and Marouane Chamakh demonstrated why Arsene Wenger wanted him for his Arsenal squad.

We were not tested at the back. Or better, when we were immediately after taking the lead, Blackpool deserved to equalise with Taylor-Fletcher’s header. And this the only downside of today’s game. It seems Wenger will consider Alex Song more of a centre back than a midfielder this season and in a way I agree as that would ease the pain on our critical situation in central defence. Unless we get a new signing of course.

All in all, when you consider that we enjoyed such a resounding win without Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, we can of course be full of smiles as we look forward but I prefer not to be carried away. Not yet, at least.

To conclude with, whether you agree with my ratings or not, submit your own at Arsenal Interactive and make sure to share them on Twitter and Facebook.

Match Video Highlights

Match video highlights are available in the Videos section of our website. If not there yet, rest assured they will be up in a matter of hours.

Player Ratings

Almunia: No Vote – Absolutely nothing to do for the Spaniard who was a virtual spectator from start to finish. I have a feeling next week will not be as easy as today for our number one.

Vermaelen: 7 – Quiet game for Thomas as well who did well when called into action though.

Song: 7,5 – Shaky start but considering it was his first game of the season I can accept that. All in all, however, Alex was a beast at the back as whenever Blackpool approached our penalty area he was there waiting for them and blocking all their attempts.

Sagna: 8 – Super game. Full of energy and runs on the right and of course the one who picked Diaby’s run in the second half. It’s always nice to see Bacary deliver good crosses and link up well with Theo.

Clichy: 6,5 – I am still not entirely convinced of Gael’s defensive skills. The way he let Gary Taylor-Fletcher rise immediately after we took the lead was worrying to see.

Wilshere: 6,5 – Not the best of starts for Jack who gave the ball away in more than one occasion but he improved as the game progressed and deserved to score in the second half with that very nice run.

Rosicky: 10 – Granted, it was only Blackpool, but Tomas demonstrated what it means to sit at the heart of the midfield and feed the wingers and strikers. Involved in almost all our moves and completed all 90 minutes. Brilliant.

Diaby: 6,5 – Needs to be more consistent Abou. As always he has patches where he just gives the ball away and looks unwilling to track back and fight for the team only to then explode and show what he is capable of, just as he did when he scored.

Arshavin: 6,5 – Better than last week, provided an assist and kept his cool to score from the penalty spot. But I still believe he is to be more active and more lively.

Walcott: 10 – This is what Theo can bring to Arsenal. Just like Diaby, consistency is the key for the Englishman and if he can keep it up week after week, he can indeed be a very dangerous player just like Lionel Messi said.

Chamakh: 7,5 – Missed two goal opportunities but I wouldn’t be too harsh on the Moroccan. I was very, very impressed with his first touch and how good he shielded the ball allowing the midfielders to come forward. There’s still a big question mark on where he will play when Robin makes his comeback in the regular eleven.

(Subs)
Fabregas and van Persie: 6 – Both of them looked short of fitness but I wonder why having just seen Wesley Sneijder play and look as lively as ever for Inter Milan in the Italian Supercup. Hopefully they will be fully recovered for next week.

Vela: 6,5 – Let’s face it, he deserved to score with that amazing run. That showed why I believe Carlos should not be shy to try and get past his marker as he can be devastating when he accelerates on the left.