Gunners return to domestic action with a bump

By Joe Eastham
March 3 2006

Arsenal returned to domestic action against Blackburn on Saturday at Ewood Park with a bump. It seemed that Mark Hughes' pre-match intent was genuine as their aggressiveness was far more to Madrid's last week.

With confidence and morale sky high, Arsenal were gunning for victory against Blackburn yesterday. An incredible win over Real Madrid had shocked us, and neutrals alike. I think Wenger knew all to long what the outcome would be from this result. Complacency was a big problem, with all due respect to Blackburn the gap in ability between Madrid and Blackburn is very big and we were expecting an easy victory.

 Despite a bright and confident start we failed to take advantage of our early domination as Morten Gamst Pedersen made the breakthrough in only the 18th minute. Suddenly after the goal, the game changed completely. Blackburn started to burst forward and threaten Jens Lehmann. Andy Todd and Robbie Savage both missed good chances to double the lead and probably put the game out of sight for the Gunners. Chances were few and far between after for Arsenal, with only one more worth mentioning in the first half alone. An Henry cross was latched onto by the advancing Senderos who was unable to turn the ball in.

 Half time then and Arsene had some work to do to turn the game around. Pires was brought on in hope of inspiring the team but unfortunately, it did not work. As the game progressed further the Gunners started to improve with an Adebayor shot well saved by Brad Friedel. Several more chances arose but we were unable to penetrate enough to get that equalizer. Fabregas was brought down in the area but the penalty shouts werent enough to convince the referee to point to the spot. Lupoli was brought on in desperation now of getting a goal but whatever Arsenal threw at Blackburn, they had an answer for.

An eighth away defeat for Arsenal now as the Champions League spots look ever more distant...