Source: Telegraph
Arsenal 6 Blackpool 0: match report
There were two options available to Theo Walcott following his shock exclusion from England's World Cup squad. He could sulk, he could complain and, worst of all, he could let such a high-profile snub destroy his confidence. [LNB]The alternative was to accept Fabio Capello's decision with good grace, re-evaluate his career and come back better. On the evidence of the first fortnight of the season, Walcott has taken the second route and, for that, both Arsenal and England can be relieved. [LNB] Related ArticlesWilliam Gallas on verge of Tottenham moveCrossing the Spurs-Arsenal divideWenger in no rush to select Fabregas and Van PersieTransfer TalkSport on televisionArsenal v Blackpool: match previewWalcott was one of the best performers for England during the recent friendly against Hungary and, during this 6-0 demolition of Blackpool, he delivered a scintillating demonstration of wing play. [LNB]A first hat-trick since England's rout of Croatia almost two years ago speaks volumes but, aside from the goals, Arsène Wenger will also have been hugely encouraged by the all-round quality of his contribution. [LNB]Walcott's trademark pace was complimented by perfectly timed runs into space, while his touch, finishing and crossing genuinely do look a level above last season. The work that has been put throughout summer on his delivery is clearly evident. [LNB]With Wenger mindful of not rushing Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas into the team until they have fully prepared for the new season following the World Cup, he again started with new signing Marouane Chamakh in attack. [LNB]The absence of Samir Nasri meant an enforced reorganisation of the midfield, with Tomas Rosicky taking the opportunity to shine as the most advanced central midfielder just behind Chamakh. [LNB]All the early pressure, however, was coming from Walcott's right flank. He carved out two excellent chances for Chamakh in the opening 10 minutes before putting Arsenal into the lead after only 12 minutes. [LNB]The goal was a result of typically quick Arsenal passing, with Rosicky fizzing the ball across the edge of the penalty area to Andrei Arshavin who, in turn, released a completely unmarked Walcott. [LNB]Since his omission from the World Cup, Walcott's final ball has come under the most intense scrutiny but he calmly sidefooted his finish beyond Matthew Gilks in the Blackpool goal. [LNB]Arsenal almost doubled their lead following two more examples of Walcott excellence. Again he comfortably outpaced Stephen Crainey down the right before picking out Arshavin, whose volley was well saved by Gilks. [LNB]From the very next attack, Walcott then immediately split the Blackpool defence for Chamakh, who directed his finish narrowly wide of Gilks' right-hand post. Arsenal's pressure did eventually manifest itself in a second goal, although it was undeniably harsh on Blackpool. [LNB]Chamakh had just got himself the wrong side of Ian Evatt, but the Blackpool defender recovered well to get a touch on the ball with his left foot. However, his momentum did then take him crashing through Chamakh and that was enough to persuade referee Mike Jones to award a penalty. [LNB]That highly questionable decision was then compounded both by a straight red card for Evatt and Arshavin's precise penalty. [LNB]With Blackpool facing more than half the match with only 10 men, it quickly became simply a question of how many Arsenal, and specifically Walcott, would score. [LNB]Jack Wilshere, starting again in the centre of midfield, was instrumental in the third, feeding his pass into Walcott who, with his back to goal, simply swivelled and fired the ball past Gilks. [LNB]Arsenal's fourth was also brilliantly taken, with Abou Diaby arriving late in the penalty area to meet Bacary Sagna's cross on the half-volley and send an unstoppable shot beyond Gilks. [LNB]Walcott's hat-trick was then completed when he cut in from the right and confidently finished with his less favoured left foot. Until that point, the only thing lacking from Arsenal's performance was a goal from Chamakh but he put that right with the sort of powerful header which suggests he will bring a new aerial threat to Wenger's team. [LNB]There were also sporadic opportunities for Blackpool, not least when Gary Taylor-Fletcher headed wide from just six yards when the score was still only 1-0. By the end, that chance felt like a lifetime ago. [LNB]
