Arsenal 4 Blackburn 0: Gloves are off as Arshavin acclimatises
By Simon Cass Last updated at 9:53 PM on 15th March 2009
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HAVE YOUR SAY: WILL ARSENAL HOLD ONTO FOURTH?
Midway through the first half of this thumping win for Arsenal, Andrey Arshavin removed his gloves and chucked them in the direction of the home dug-out.
It proved to be the precursor to a display which demonstrated that the hugely talented Russian is well on his way to acclimatising to life in the capital in more ways than one.
True, Arshavin's presence had already forced Blackburn defender Andre Ooijer to put the ball past his own keeper with the game less than two minutes old.
Tongues wagging: Andrey Arshavin enjoys scoring his spectacular first goal for Arsenal (below)
But, while clearly overjoyed at having helped his side to a morale-boosting start after three successive goalless draws at home, Arshavin had no hesitation in wagging a finger, gloves still on, towards his team-mates.
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Have your say: Will Arsenal hold onto fourth?
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His honesty was duly rewarded. The skill needed to fashion his first goal for his new club was a far more fitting way for Arshavin to open his Arsenal account than a scrambled, goalline affair.
Collecting the ball in acres of space on the left, a quick shimmy was enough to leave Danny Simpson chasing shadows. As everyone expected a pass, Arshavin opted instead to smash the ball over Paul Robinson and into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles.
Given his arrival at Arsenal coincided with the Russian off-season, it is little wonder Arshavin has needed time to get up to speed. Fitness, of course, was an issue, but so too was the need to put down roots in his new home.
Winning friends: Two-goal Emmanuel Eboue turned from zero to hero after converting a penalty to win over his Emirates critics
'It's not so easy,' admitted Arshavin of his transition to a new life away from mother Russia, before adding with a smile: 'I was alone, but my wife came two days ago. Maybe she gave me power for this match.'
The arrival of wife Yulia may well have been a case of From Russia with Love. But Arshavin is no love-sick softie - the fact that his wonderful second-half effort was scored in oversized boots after having had four stitches in a gash on his foot demonstrated as much.
Arsene Wenger was purring because his decision to break with tradition by splashing out on a 28-year-old is showing every sign of being a success. The coach paid tribute to Arshavin's toughness.
'There was no question that he wouldn't play in the second half,' said Wenger, praising Arshavin's decision to soldier on with the foot injury.
'He's not a soft boy at all. He's never in the medical room. He's a tough boy.
'He has had to have a real pre-season because in Russia they had stopped. People saw a guy, when he first came, having had 10 days' training.
'I think he is a man of challenges. To leave St Petersburg where he was the star and to come to England at 28 years of age and to say, "OK, I want to start it all again", you need character.'
HAVE YOUR SAY: WILL ARSENAL HOLD ONTO FOURTH?
Off target: Young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner endured a frustrating afternoon for Arsenal after spurning a host of goal-begging chances
Character is also a quality Emmanuel Eboue has needed to rely upon of late, while yet another frustrating afternoon in front of goal for Nicklas Bendtner means the Danish striker is also going to have to dig deep.
But the fact Eboue came off the bench to score, before having the nerve to demand the late penalty which completed the rout, bodes well for the Ivory Coast international who had come dangerously close to losing the support of Arsenal fans.
'Bendtner will win over the fans, I'm not worried about that,' insisted Wenger. 'I was more worried about Eboue.
'I am pleased that he has started to score goals because he looked to us - and certainly to you as well - that he will never score goals. If he had not scored the first goal and had not scored last week against Burnley, he would certainly not have taken the penalty, which shows the importance of confidence.'
Keeping the confidence levels high is the task for Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce. But having guided his side to four wins and five draws from his 12 games since moving to Ewood Park, Allardyce seems confident his players can brush off the loss.
Strictly x-rated: Controversial Rovers striker El-Hadji Diouf (L) is booked by referee Phil Dowd following his reckless challenge on Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia
'We have to accept this defeat on the chin,' said Allardyce, who was more concerned at further additions to his long casualty list, having lost skipper Ryan Nelson before the game and Gael Givet and in-form Stephen Warnock during it.
'We can overcome this defeat,' added Allardyce. 'But the more important thing is about us overcoming the injured players.'
Had referee Phil Dowd been less lenient, Allardyce could also have been without El Hadji Diouf for three games after a late, high-footed challenge on Manuel Almunia. Blackburn, sitting one point above the relegation zone, cannot afford to lose Diouf.
Arsenal's need for a player of Arshavin's quality was there for all to see.
His arrival may have come too late as far as a title challenge is concerned - while he is also cup-tied in the Champions League - but with Arshavin in their side it seems Arsenal's gloves are off at last.