Blackburn Rovers 1 - 2 Arsenal

Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin struck as Arsenal ran out winners at Ewood Park.

Walcott, recalled by England coach Fabio Capello this week for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers, fired a stunning 19th-minute opener as the Gunners worked hard to take all three points.

Walcott was sent scampering clear down the right flank by a fine ball from Robin van Persie before cutting inside and ramming a low shot past Paul Robinson.

Rovers made life hard for Arsene Wenger's men and Mame Diouf's 26th-minute equaliser was the least they deserved before Arshavin won it for the visitors in the 51st minute.

Rovers started positively, with Morten Gamst Pedersen's long throw causing Manuel Almunia to enter the action early to pluck the ball off the head of Christopher Samba.

The Gunners came close to an opener in the third minute when Abou Diaby's shot in a crowded box took a heavy deflection off Vince Grella and rather fortuitously struck goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

But Rovers set about peppering the Arsenal box with high balls and their tactic nearly paid off in the ninth minute when Ryan Nelsen's header was headed off the line by Cesc Fabregas.

In a promising opening spell Fabregas then split the Rovers defence with a through-ball towards Walcott, only for Samba to get in with a superb saving challenge.

El-Hadji Diouf failed to pick out namesake Mame in acres of space in a Rovers counter-attack then in the 15th minute Samba headed just over from another Pedersen corner.

Walcott's 19th minute strike was so powerful it required lengthy half-time repairs to the net - but when Arsenal threatened to go on and win at a canter it was the home side who struck back.

Samba set off a swift counter-attack which sent El-Hadji Diouf tearing down the left where he cut inside Laurent Koscielny and squared for Mame Diouf to sweep home.

Wenger was forced to make his first change in the 34th minute when van Persie hobbled off with an ankle injury and was replaced by Marouane Chamakh.

Confidence continued to bleed back into Blackburn after the break and Pedersen was not too far away with an audacious long-range effort in the 50th minute.

But the Gunners went back ahead one minute later when a Fabregas effort in the box was blocked only to squirt clear to Arshavin, who poked past the advancing Robinson.

Nikola Kalinic blazed a left-foot shot over the bar before Allardyce made his first change introducing David Dunn in a bid to add some creativity to his midfield.

However as the match wore on Wenger's men looked increasingly to be finding their rhythm and Nelsen and Samba were working overtime to repel Arshavin and Chamakh.

But it was Walcott who always looked the biggest threat and the young striker came close to a second on 75 minutes when he lofted a long-range effort inches over the bar.

Walcott thought he had knocked home the Gunners' third at the other end only to be deemed inches offside, then substitute Jack Wilshere missed a sitter in injury time.

Champions League draw

Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea have been drawn in Group F against Olympique Marseille, Spartak Moscow and Zilina of Slovakia.

Manchester United will face Valencia, Scottish champions Rangers and Bursaspor of Turkey in Group C

Arsenal are in Group H where they will take on Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga and Partizan Belgrade.

Tottenham Hotspur's reward for beating Young Boys of Bern is a mouth-watering series of matches against holders Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and FC Twente in Group A.

They will all be bidding to win through to the last 16 and keep alive their hopes of making the final at Wembley.

Group A

Inter Milan

Werder Bremen

Tottenham Hotspur

FC Twente


Group B

Olympic Lyonnais

Benfica

Schalke

Hapoel Tel Aviv


Group C

Manchester United

Valencia

Rangers

Bursaspor


Group D

Barcelona

Panathinaikos

Copenhagen

Rubin Kazan


Group E

Bayern Munich

AS Roma

Basel

Cluj


Group F

Chelsea

Olympique Marseille

Spartak Moscow

Zilina


Group G

AC Milan

Real Madrid

Ajax

Auxerre


Group H

Arsenal

Shakhtar Donetsk

Braga

Partizan Belgrade

Fixtures to be played on: 14th/15th September, 28th/29th September, 19th/20th October, 2nd/3rd November, 23rd/24th November and 7th/8th December.

Arsenal 6 - 0 Blackpool

England forward Theo Walcott netted a hat-trick as Barclays Premier League new boys Blackpool were brought back down to earth with a 6-0 thrashing at Arsenal.

The 21-year-old was a controversial omission from Fabio Capello's ill-fated World Cup squad, only to be welcomed back into the England fold following the dismal display in South Africa.

It may just have proved to be a decision which brings the best out of Walcott this season as the former Southampton trainee tore the Seasiders apart from kick-off, sweeping the Gunners into an 11th-minute lead.

Andrey Arshavin made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after defender Ian Evatt had been sent off for a foul on Marouane Chamakh.

Walcott added a third before the break, with Abou Diaby slotting home number four at the start of the second half and the England man - whose only international goals came with a famous hat-trick in Croatia during September 2008 - then securing the match ball with another well-taken finish.

World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas and runner-up Robin van Persie came off the bench for the last half-hour as the Gunners, who snatched a late 1-1 draw at Liverpool last weekend, moved to the top of the table, if only for a few hours, with Chamakh heading in a sixth goal in the 83rd minute.

Almost 3,000 Blackpool fans - packed into the newly renamed Clock End - had made the long journey south, perhaps more in hope than genuine expectation of another shock result.

However, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had warned against underestimating the threat of the Barclays Premier League new boys, and Ian Holloway's men certainly started with no fear.

Blackpool broke quickly and David Vaughan tried his luck from 20 yards but shot straight at Manuel Almunia.

However, Arsenal were soon in front.

Arshavin fed Chamakh down the left, and the free transfer signing from Bordeaux quickly laid the ball off to Tomas Rosicky, who in turn rolled a pass on to the advancing Russian.

With the Blackpool defence stretched, Arshavin put Walcott clear into the right side of the penalty area, and he dispatched a first-time strike into the bottom corner in the 12th minute.

It was a vintage Arsenal goal but the hosts were almost caught cold immediately afterwards.

Stephen Crainey sent over a lovely cross from the left, which dropped to Gary Taylor-Fletcher at the far post but his downward header was just wide.

Walcott scampered away again down the right, before cleverly delaying his centre into the path of Arshavin, who crashed a half-volley goalwards, but Seasiders goalkeeper Matthew Gilks made a fine reaction save.

Chamakh almost rolled an 18-yard shot into the far corner after some more good work from Walcott on the edge of the area.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Evatt slid in from behind on Chamakh.

Referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot and went straight to his pocket for the red card. Arshavin stepped up to drive the ball into the bottom right corner.

It was now a case of damage limitation for Blackpool, who brought on new signing Dekel Keinan, the Israel defender, for striker Ludovic Sylvestre.

A brilliant block from Gilks prevented Chamakh from making it 3-0, before, in the 38th minute, Walcott turned Keinan on the penalty spot and drilled the ball into the far corner.

Busy Blackpool goalkeeper Gilks saved Chamakh's near-post effort from Gael Clichy's left-wing cross. However, he was picking the ball out of the net again four minutes after the restart when Diaby swept in Bacary Sagna's centre.

Walcott completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute when he curled the ball inside the far post after being fed by Diaby.

Arshavin squared for Chamakh in the six-yard box, but the ball took a bounce just ahead of reaching the Moroccan striker, who shinned it over.

As the hour mark passed, Arsenal introduced Fabregas and Van Persie, replacing Diaby and Arshavin, to a standing ovation before Walcott was also given a well-deserved rest.

Chamakh got a home Barclays Premier League debut goal when he headed in Van Persie's corner seven minutes from time.

Match report Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Jose Reina's late own goal enabled Arsenal to snatch a draw from a thrilling Barclays Premier League opener at Liverpool.

The Liverpool goalkeeper saw the ball rebound off him after Marouane Chamakh had hit the post in the final minute at Anfield to cancel out a David Ngog strike.

The goal was reward for a late spell of Arsenal pressure but it was unfortunate for Liverpool, who had survived most of the second half unscathed after the sending off of Joe Cole.

The big-name summer signing from Chelsea was dismissed on his league debut for a lunge on Arsenal debutant Laurent Koscielny.

Koscielny himself also received a red card, but not until moments before the final whistle when he earned a second booking for handball.

The equaliser denied Liverpool what would have been only their fourth victory over the Gunners in their last 19 league meetings.

Fernando Torres was left in reserve, and later entered to a huge ovation after pledging his future to the club and recovering from a groin injury, but Arsenal missed two of their bigger stars more.

Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie were both said to be lacking match-fitness and while the former was absent altogether, the Dutchman made only a late appearance.

Thomas Vermaelen tested Jose Reina early on with a fierce free-kick but aside from that, the first half was almost devoid of action until exploding into life in the closing moments.

Dirk Kuyt created Liverpool's first opportunity when he turned in the box but Manuel Almunia easily gathered his cross.

New signing Milan Jovanovic cut through the Arsenal midfield with a determined run but Kuyt's final ball again found Almunia.

Arsenal's Samir Nasri had another long-range free-kick blocked and Vermaelen put the rebound wide.

Gael Clichy had Arsenal's first serious chance from open play when he broke clear down the left after 30 minutes and fired a shot narrowly over from outside the box.

The action on the field was tight with neither side giving much away but Arsenal were almost caught when Jovanovic raced onto a long ball.

With Cole walking back from an offside position, the Arsenal defence let the ball bounce and the Serbia international darted into the box, only to blast wide.

The match suddenly came alive in the closing minute of the first half.

First Glen Johnson had a shot tipped over by Almunia and Ngog then had a header cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

The complexion of the match then changed completely in injury time as Cole was sent off for his lunge at Koscielny.

Koscielny returned to the dressing room on a stretcher at the interval but ran out to start the second period as normal.

Liverpool seemed determined not to let their numerical disadvantage bother them and made a blistering start to the second half.

They claimed the lead within two minutes of the restart as Mascherano threaded a ball into the box for Ngog and the Frenchman finished unerringly home at the near post.

It was his fourth goal of the season after three in Liverpool's first Europa League qualifying tie.

Not content with that, the Reds pushed forward again and Martin Skrtel headed wide from a dangerous Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Ngog had an even better chance when he leapt to reach another Gerrard set-piece but could not direct his header on target.

Kuyt created another fine chance after good work on the right but no-one could turn in his ball across goal.

Arsenal stepped up the tempo and Tomas Rosicky showed great control with a slaloming run into the area before seeing his shot touched over by Reina.

Maxi Rodriguez then cleared after a desperate goalmouth scramble.

The pressure eventually told in the last minute as Reina failed to grasp the ball after Chamakh hit the post from Rosicky's cross.

Gerrard almost snatched victory as the match went into five minutes of injury time but Almunia kept out his free-kick with Koscielny being dismissed at the death for a second bookable offence after handling.

Vermaelen - We must perform in every game

Thomas Vermaelen is about to embark on his second season in English football and the departure of four Arsenal defenders during the summer makes him the senior centre back at Emirates Stadium.

The Belgian is relishing the challenge and was in positive mood when he spoke to Arsenal TV Online at the launch for Arsenal's new Charity of the Season, Centrepoint.

Thomas discussed:

* the mood in the squad
* the advantage of hosting a pre-season tournament
* whether there is more pressure on him
* how he feels ahead of his second season
*what went wrong in 2009/10
* why he thinks this season will be different
* the title contenders
* Manchester City's spending power

Gibbs and Wilshere make England debuts

Jack Wilshere has become the 10th youngest player to pull on the England shirt in a senior international.

The midfielder was 18 years and 222 days old when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary on Wednesday evening.

Kieran Gibbs also made his England debut as a half-time substitute in the match.

Theo Walcott started the friendly and was withdrawn after the first 45 minutes of England's 2-1 victory.

Walcott holds the record for being the youngest ever England player. He made his senior international debut aged 17 years and 75 days in May 2006. That match was also against Hungary.

Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere called up for England

Everyone at Arsenal is delighted with the news that Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere have both been called up to the full England squad for the first time, for the Three Lions' forthcoming friendly against Hungary.

Defender Kieran, 20, said: "It's a welcome surprise to have been called up by Fabio Capello to the England squad for the first time.

"It is always an honour to play for my country at any level but it is a special moment to be called up to the first team squad.

"To reach my full potential, it's important that I keep on improving all aspects of my game and this call up will certainly be a great learning experience for me. I just want to make the most of every opportunity I am given to better my game.

"I have to say this a real boost for me as I spent over five months out through injury and this is a good opportunity to thank the surgeons and medical support I've received to get me back to full fitness.

"Naturally my top priority at this moment in time is to get back to the level I was at before my injury and get some games under my belt with Arsenal, but of course, I would love to cement a place in the England team in the future."

After receiving the news, 18 year-old midfielder Jack said: "I'm delighted to have been named in the senior England squad for the first time. It is a real honour and I'm looking forward to the experience.

"I'm also realistic and want to take things one step at a time. Being called up to the England squad is a proud moment for me and my family, but my first target is to break into the Arsenal team and play on a regular basis. To achieve that, I need to keep my head down, work hard and stay focused."

Kieran and Jack, together with Theo Walcott, who has also been called up, will join up with the England squad on Sunday after returning from Arsenal's pre-season friendly with Legia Warsaw in Poland on Saturday night.

Pre-season spotlight on Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has once again resisted the urge to spend big in the transfer market, instead putting his trust in the club's youth.

The Frenchman will hope that with another year's experience, the likes of Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Abou Diaby can turn all their potential into consistent performances. Meanwhile, much is expected of Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Frimpong, who should get matches under their belts this season.


Wenger will also be praying that Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie can stay injury free after they missed much of last season with leg and ankle injuries respectively. The pair reached the World Cup final, so will have had little time to rest. Fabregas' confirmation that he will be staying at the club despite bids from Barcelona is a boost to all at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger has added Marouane Chamakh to his squad after signing the striker on a Bosman free transfer from Bordeaux. He has impressed in pre-season, as has the other major addition Laurent Koscielny, from Lorient. The defender looks like forming a centre-back pairing with Thomas Vermaelen, although the fit-again Johan Djourou will also hope for playing time.

Arsenal have sold Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva to Shakhtar Donetsk after he failed to rediscover his best form following a horrific broken leg sustained in 2008. Fran Merida has departed to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, while Philippe Senderos' contract expired and he has joined Fulham.

French youngster Francis Coquelin has joined Lorient on loan, and young striker Luke Freeman has moved to Yeovil, also on a temporary basis. Centre-back Luke Ayling has left the club for Yeovil on a free transfer.

Arsenal defeated Barnet 4-0 in their traditional opening pre-season friendly, while SK Sturm Graz and SC Neusiedl 1919 were dispatched 3-0 and 4-0 respectively on the club's tour of Austria.

The Gunners won the Emirates Cup after a 1-1 draw with AC Milan and a 3-2 win over Celtic. Their last pre-season friendly saw them spectacularly defeat Legia Warsaw 6-5 in Poland.

Pre-season Friendly Legia v Arsenal: Sat, 4pm kick-off (UK time)

Arsenal complete their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a trip to Poland to face Legia Warsaw.

Our coverage begins at 3.55pm (UK time) with commentary from Dan Roebuck and former Gunner Stewart Robson plus highlights straight after the final whistle.

If you miss any of the action, Arsenal TV Online will also carry two highlights packages of the game, the full 90 minutes on demand plus exclusive post-match reaction from Wenger and his players.

Vermaelen - Two men with a point to prove

Thomas Vermaelen says Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott will want to prove a point after the pair were left out of their national squads for the World Cup.

The defender believes their exclusions could benefit Arsenal this season and reports that they have been looking fresh in pre-season training so far.

During a recent visit to Centrepoint, Arsenal's new Charity of the Season, Vermaelen was asked if Walcott would have extra motivation after his England disappointment.

"Of course," he replied. "Every player wants to be in the national team. He is very motivated, Samir as well. In pre-season you can see that they are fresh and they are playing very well at the moment.

"But for them they wanted to be at the World Cup. Physically they will be fresher and 100 per cent for Arsenal this season."