Source: PA
Gunners held by plucky Rovers
Arsenal were left frustrated as their Barclays Premier League title hopes suffered a setback after struggling Blackburn battled to a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners - who now trail leaders Manchester United by seven points with a match in hand - had plenty of possession, but were unable to really test Paul Robinson.
Rovers - who had lost five of the last eight matches - grew in confidence and survived the dismissal of midfielder Steven Nzonzi to earn a valuable point in their battle against relegation.
It had been a positive start by the Gunners, with fit-again Theo Walcott looking lively down the right. After four minutes, the England winger got away to the edge of the Rovers box before squaring to Alex Song and his shot was deflected behind. Walcott was proving too hot to handle and his low centre across goal was hacked clear by Ryan Nelsen before he was then denied at the near post by Robinson.
Rovers had an opportunity when Laurent Koscielny tripped David Hoilett 22 yards out in a central position. Brett Emerton, however, smashed the free-kick high into the stands with a rare chance.
Arsenal lacked a creative spark in the final third as time and again they failed to find the decisive pass. And even when Rovers were reduced to 10 men, on 76 minutes when Nzonzi was shown a straight red card after jumping in two-footed on Koscielny, there was no way through.
