Player Ratings: Arsenal 7-1 Blackburn

Took a hefty bump early on but seemed unaffected which seemed to give his side a psychological boost. Arguably should have kept Pedersen’s free-kick out but that’s by the by, was never threatened before or after that point.

Dominant in the air though that was probably due to the lack of quality service to Modeste. A comfy afternoon for the centre half.

Was never threatened defensively yet his lack of forward impetus gave away the fact that he’s a centre half, not a left back.

Largely untroubled at the back and caused some mischief in the opposition penalty area, going close with a header and unwittingly bagging an assist.

An understated yet assured performance as the midfielder stepped in for Aaron Ramsey.

Ran the show in the middle of the park, with much of the hosts' counter-attacking play channelled through. Fully deserved to get his name on the scoresheet.

Another intelligent display that will surely cement his place in the first team. Married guile with brains, combining well with Van Persie numerous times.

Engine in the middle of the field and provided the spark that put Arsenal back in the lead.

Another impressive cameo at right back. With Bacary Sagna now back in the fold, it will be intriguing to see Coquelin in his preferred role in central midfield. Assured on the ball and seemingly ideally suited to the Arsenal stylistic.

Still occasionally showed a certain discomfort on the ball at times though this was masked by his two near-identical assists in the first half. His movement has noticeably improved, with the winger ghosting in off the flank very well as well as recognising how to hurt Blackburn and doing it relentlessly.

Was left gruesomely exposed by his back four who seemed utterly incapable of tracking both Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ghosting runs in from the flanks.

Was given a torrid time by both Walcott and Coquelin all afternoon. Might be having nightmares about this one for a long time to come

Was asleep for Van Persie’s second minute opener. The barrage of Arsenal attack soon woke him up but not once did he look in control of the situation.

Afternoon was cut short after he received a knock just after the game had properly settled into its rhythm.

From the outset designated himself as his side’s bully boy in the middle of the park. His surging runs forward prove an outlet for his team though he was the victim of a tactical substitution on the stroke of half-time.

His bent free-kick offered Blackburn a lifeline that they did the very hardest not to grab.

Completely over-ran in the middle of the park, particularly when his team were reduced to ten.

Strode around the park with authority off the ball yet could do nothing to break up Arsenal's devastating counterattacks.

Threw himself around with gusto though his influence rapidly disappeared with every minute the game went on.

Found himself with scant opportunity to really effect the game in any positive way. Largely confined to doubling up on Walcott, with a similarly ineffectual outcome.