Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as Arsenal silenced their critics with a 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn on Saturday to record their biggest Premier League win of the season.
Disgruntled Arsenal fans had reportedly been planning protests at the Emirates after Arsene Wenger's side had slid to three consecutive league defeats and a disappointing draw at Bolton in midweek.
But Wenger's side responded to the disquiet amongst their supporters with a ruthless demolition of struggling Rovers which saw them move up to fifth in the league table.
Van Persie took his tally for the season to 28 after striking in the 2nd, 38th and 62nd minutes, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (2) and Mikel Arteta getting the other goals before substitute Thierry Henry completed the scoring.
Morten Gamst Pedersen was the lone scorer for Blackburn, who also had Gael Givet sent off for a wild challenge on van Persie just before half time.
The defeat left Blackburn firmly rooted in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety in 19th place.
Source: AFP
