Easy for the Gunners

So, it was a easy stroll in the park for our home debut this season. Before the game, I was a bit apprehensive about this tie as I thought Blackpool would employed the same strong-armed tactics and playing defensive as countless others have done when visting the Emirates. However, credit must go to Ian Holloway as he set up this team to have a real go at the Gunners. Although they did concede a goal in the 12 minute, but they were in it and gave a scare when Taylor Flecther missed a golden opportunity to equalise from a free header(bad marking by Clichy). However, when Ian Evatt received a red card for a professional foul on Chamakh, it was over as a contest.

Having given credit to Blackpool, I must say that the team played exceptionally well. Not much can be said about the defense and the goalkeeper(cause Almunia and gang were basically pedestrians for most of the match), but our offensive play were simply brilliant. The seem to be much more pace and simplicity to out attacking formation. The first goal was classic Arsenal: starting with Arshavin to Chamakh to Rosicky back to Arshavin then to Walcott for the finish - 5 passes and it's a goal. This was the hallmark of the "Invincibles" and has been missing from our attacking play.

Two players particularly stood out in this game, Rosicky and Walcott. The latter managed a hattrick and this may be his best game ever in an Arsenal shirt. His movement was quick and intelligent combined with absolutely clinical finishing.

My man of the match today definitely has to be Tomas. He was at the heart of everything good that Arsenal did today. He has shown how influential he can be in the past 2 games so I really do hope he can continue his good form this season.

We also got a good look at how good Chamakh is as an aerial threat with a beautifully headed goal. It is not something we often see from an Arsenal striker and more should come his way.

And to our captain, welcome back.