Theo Walcott struck another timely reminder to watching England boss Fabio Capello that he was wrong to drop him from his World Cup squad as Arsenal edged to a 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Walcott, recalled by Capello this week for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers, fired a stunning 19th-minute opener as the Gunners worked hard for the points.
Walcott was sent scampering clear down the right flank by a fine ball from Robin van Persie before cutting inside and ramming a low shot past Paul Robinson.
Rovers made life hard for Arsene Wenger's men and Mame Diouf's 26th-minute equaliser was the least they deserved before Andrey Arshavin won it for the visitors in the 51st minute. Walcott thought he had knocked home the Gunners' third at the other end only to be deemed inches offside, then substitute Jack Wilshere missed a sitter in injury time.
Source: PA