7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers was a game for the highlight reel- and put the black bag brigade into the trash.
For Arsenal fans, their weekend could hardly have got off to a better start.
Their team bagged seven goals in a lunchtime kick-off against a Blackburn side who were still having their breakfast.
Robin van Persie, who Arsene Wenger had warned may be rested in the near future, was inspirational.
He scored three times and provided two assists, and was on a different planet to his opponents.
If van Persie is the shining star and leading of this Arsenal team, then Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the future.
Theo Walcott had one of his best games of the season, but it was his teenage colleague who scored twice, with a composure belying his age.
And to wrap up a perfect day, a cameo appearance and goal from Thierry Henry, a man who defines Arsenal’s recent past, was the icing on the cake.
It was just what Arsenal needed, we had warned that failure to win this game could have a terminal effect on their Champions League hopes.
The players played like they knew it, van Persie’s early goal helped simmer down a nervous crowd who have been known to become restless of late.
A small section of fans were threatening to protest at the team’s winless streak by placing bin bags over their seats.
That idea looks as disastrous as Gael Givet’s first half tackle.
This win may be a high point in a dismal season, it could be a turning point, or it could amount to nothing at the end of the season.
Whichever, the fans should savour it, if goal difference is a factor at the end of the season, it could be invaluable in wiping out their 8-2 reverse at Old Trafford.
image: © Matt and Kim Rudge
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