The winner for Arsenal was clinched by Andrey Arshavin, demonstrating the resilience required to beat a determined Blackburn side.
Arsenal opened the scoring when Theo Walcott completed a clever play with a powerful angled shot.
Blackburn impressively equalised through Mame Biram Diouf, who tapped in a pass from El-Hadji Diouf.
The winner came from Arshavin, who fired a shot after a deflected effort by Cesc Fabregas fell into his path, allowing the Gunners to secure a hard-fought victory.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expressed a desire for his team to send a message about their ability to handle the physical style Blackburn was known for, which has been considered a weakness for the Gunners.
After enduring Blackburn’s relentless attacks and earning the right to play, Wenger must feel encouraged by the resilience his team displayed to emerge victorious.
Blackburn quickly tested Arsenal’s resolve, as the visitors nervously cleared a free-kick launched into their box by keeper Paul Robinson, and Manuel Almunia later caught a long throw that was hurled into his six-yard area.
This set the stage for an aerial assault on the Arsenal goal, but in the early exchanges, the visitors nearly delivered a blow to Blackburn when Abou Diaby’s shot ricocheted off an unsuspecting Vince Grella and Robinson to safety.
However, Blackburn was in assertive form as defender Ryan Nelsen had a header cleared off the line by Fabregas, while Almunia had to palm away a dangerous ball after Christopher Samba headed another long throw towards goal.
The clash of contrasting styles resulted in a fast-paced and intense match, with both teams fiercely vying for dominance.
Samba just missed the target with a header from a corner, while Arsenal attempted to combine their substance with the attractive style of play they are known for.
Almunia distributed the ball and, after six passes, Walcott latched onto Van Persie’s precise ball, taking a touch before striking towards the far post.
Despite Wenger’s concerns about the ‘rugby’ tactics he anticipated, Rovers executed a penetrating move reminiscent of the kind Arsenal would have been proud to showcase.
Samba showcased impressive footwork, surprising for someone of his six-foot-four stature, before passing to El-Hadji Diouf, who sped past Laurent Koscielny on the left and set up Mame Biram Diouf for an easy tap-in.
Robin van Persie became the first casualty for Arsenal, forced off the pitch with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, the visitors’ passing ability began to shine against Blackburn’s more direct approach.
They regained the lead when Arshavin struck after a shot by Fabregas from Bacary Sagna fell perfectly for him.
Arsenal maintained control, dominating possession. Although Blackburn struggled to assert themselves, they still posed a threat.
Nikola Kalininc shot wildly over the bar following a mistake by Thomas Vermaelen, but the home side’s attacks had noticeably diminished.
Late in the match, Jack Wilshere squandered a significant opportunity, though it would only have served to embellish Arsenal’s first away win since March.
