LONDON, March 19 - A patched-up Arsenal side
cruised to a 1-0 victory at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in a
dress rehearsal of next month's FA Cup semi-final.
Trailing leaders Chelsea by 13 points and already missing
the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires,
the champions were dealt a further blow minutes before kickoff
when Freddie Ljungberg was ruled out by injury in the warm-up.
However the Swede's misfortune gave a late starting berth to
Dutch striker Robin Van Persie and the former Feyenoord player
seized the chance to impress manager Arsene Wenger by scoring
the game's only goal.
Three minutes before the end of a low-key first half Van
Persie received an incisive pass from Ashley Cole, spun smoothly
and then glided round goalkeeper Brad Friedel to slide the
Gunners ahead.
Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes should have increased Arsenal's
lead in the opening minutes of the second half, shooting tamely
at Friedel after a storming run by compatriot Francesc Fabregas.
Arsenal's superior movement began to pick holes in
Blackburn's defence and Van Persie was unlucky to see a curling
left-foot shot from the right edge of the area glance the
crossbar.
Rovers, who are still scrapping to stay clear of the
relegation zone, barely mustered a shot on target although some
late pressure could have brought them an undeserved point.
Brett Emerton lashed one shot wide nine minutes from time
while Steven Reid had a much better opportunity, shooting
harmlessly wide after racing through in stoppage time.
Arsenal's 10th away victory of the season moved them
temporarily into second place with 64 points, 10 behind Chelsea
who were in later action against Crystal Palace. Manchester
United, on 63 points, can reclaim second spot if they beat
Fulham.