Arsenal blast six goals past Blackburn Rovers

Arsenal trounced Blackburn Rovers 6-2 in the Premier League on Sunday after twice trailing in the first half of a sizzling encounter at the Emirates.

The home side were stunned after four minutes when Steven Nzonzi headed Rovers in front before centre back Thomas Vermaelen drew Arsenal level with a thumping finish.

David Dunn’s deflected shot after a counter-attack put Rovers back in front but this time their lead lasted just two minutes as Robin van Persie shot past Paul Robinson.

Russian Andrei Arshavin put Arsenal 3-2 ahead before halftime and the Gunners were rampant after the break, tearing Rovers to shreds.

Cesc Fabregas capped a superb individual performance with a volleyed fourth, Theo Walcott slid in a fifth after an end-to-end move and substitute Nicklas Bendtner completed the rout when he rifled a shot in off the post.

Victory lifted Arsenal above Liverpool, who play at Chelsea later, into fourth place on goal difference with 15 points. Chelsea can go top of the table with a win.