Gunners win vital this evening

Arsenal head into this evening’s Barclays Premier League encounter vs Blackburn knowing a victory is absolutely crucial to their title aspirations. The Rovers visit The Emirates for a 5.30 kick-off.

The Gunners are 5 points behind Mancherster United, albeit with a game in hand, although, United have a lunchtime kick-off against West Ham at Upton Park and could theoretically be 8 ahead  come 3pm.

The International break was a welcome distraction for Arsene Wenger, having seen his team endure their poorest run of the season up to that point. They tumbled out of three separate competitions in the space of two weeks; firstly losing the Carling Cup Final to Birmingham City, then bowing out of the Champions League in Barcelona. Finally, Man United ended their FA Cup dreams with a Quarter-Final win at Old Trafford. Following this Arsenal came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at West Brom, but still dropped vital points in the race for the title.

Nothing other than a win will do if Arsenal are to keep their charge for the League on track, and anything other than 3 points could end their interest in the the last competition they remain in the hunt for.

Theo Walcott remains sidelined with an ankle injury, although Cesc Fabregas could feature after a series of hamstring problems. Robin van Persie has been in scintillating form of late for both club and country, scoring for the Netharlands in their thrilling 5-3 win over Hungary in mid-week.

Blackburn will likely travel to North London with a siege mentality, as they have done in recent years since The Gunners moved to The Emirates in 2007.

An early goal could lead to a big win for Arsenal, although, as has long been their problem at home in particular, they threaten to run riot without scoring, then panicking to scrape any kind of victory as the clock ticks towards 90.

Arsenal need to win, and Arsenal should win.

Verdict: Arsenal

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