Robin van Persie smashed a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed 10-man Blackburn to win in the Barclays Premier League for the first time this year.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also scored twice as Arsene Wenger saw his team close to just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Dutchman Van Persie fired the Gunners ahead inside two minutes, but a fine free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen brought Blackburn level. Arsenal were soon back in front through skipper Van Persie, before Oxlade-Chamberlain extended the lead. Gael Givet saw red for a two-footed challenge on Van Persie, and there was no way back for Rovers. Arsenal dominated the second half, as Mikel Arteta and the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain were both on target with Van Persie collecting the matchball following a neat near-post finish just after the hour. Substitute Thierry Henry swept home goal number seven in stoppage time to cap a memorable afternoon at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who are up into fifth place, will be hoping for a Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to improve their Champions League prospects for next season.