Next Title Match: Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers Title Match Number: 07

After the international break its finally back to the Premier League.
'Unofficial' champions Arsenal head into their seventh title match on Saturday when they host Blackburn Rovers at The Emirates.
Both sides will be looking for a win but looking at the history books you can understand why Arsenal are the strong favorites despite missing a whole host of players in fact as I am writing this the latest round of International matches are going on and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must be looking through his fingers hoping no-one else gets an injury.
Come Saturday Arsenal could be without the likes of Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Johan Djourou and Vermaelen but even with these players missing Arsenal will be to strong for Rovers.
Despite being in 13th place Blackburn are only one point away from the relegation zone so need a win to get themselves away from the chasing pack.
Rovers last win at Arsenal was in season 2002/03 when they beat the Gunners 1-2 (33/1 @ Skybet) but I can't see them repeating that feat.
The early kick-off see's Manchester United playing West Ham United at Upton Park and should the Red Devils win at Upton Park Arsenal will find themselves eight points behind the league leaders so a win is must if they are to remain in the title hunt.
The last match between these two here saw a 6-2 victory for Arsenal with eight different goalscorers. This time round it will still be a home win and this time it'll be 3-0 (15/2 PaddyPower)


Gunners fans what do you think the score will be at the weekend. All views will be printed, as long as their clean!! Email jaymoe26@gmail.com for follow twitter @jamiemason76


Last match @ The Emirates: 04/10/2009 - Arsenal 6 (Vermaelen, Van Persie, Arshavin, Fabregas, Walcott, Bendtner) Blackburn Rovers 2 (Nzonzi, Dunn)


Head 2 Head: Arsenal: 51 wins Draw: 29 Blackburn Rovers: 25 wins


Best Odds: Arsenal 2/7 Draw 5/1 Blackburn Rovers 12/1


Prediction: Arsenal 3-0

Arsenal cling on to unofficial title West Brom 2 (Reid 3, Odemwingie 58), Arsenal 2 (Arshavin 70, Van Persie)

Arsenal's official title challenge suffered a blow as their late rally was only enough to secure a draw at West Brom.

Albion were 2-0 up just before the hour mark when Peter Odemwingie capitalised on a mix-up between Manuel Almunia and Sebastien Squillaci to add to Steven Reid's early header.

The Gunners staged a comeback with goals in the 70th minute from Andrey Arshavin and 78th from Robin van Persie, but they could not find a winner and are now five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, who beat Bolton 1-0. The Baggies, meanwhile, are a point above the relegation zone in 16th place as they were at the start of the day.

Arsene Wenger's team were in need of a lift following their League Cup final defeat and elimination from the Champions League and FA Cup over the last few weeks, but they made the worst possible start as West Brom took the lead after only three minutes.

Albion skipper Chris Brunt swung in a corner and Reid was allowed the space to jump and crash a header beyond Almunia for his first Premier League goal for nearly five years. Aaron Ramsey, starting a game for the Gunners for the first time since breaking his leg last season, appeared to be the main culprit in failing to mark Reid as Arsenal's defensive frailties were laid bare.

Moments later Jerome Thomas won the ball and broke forward, sending in a dangerous delivery that just evaded Odemwingie. The visitors started to gain more possession but were struggling to get a proper foothold and the game was temporarily halted after 20 minutes when Laurent Koscielny clashed heads with James Morrison, the latter having to come off for treatment.

While Morrison was off the pitch Arsenal showed some threatening signs, with only the head of Jonas Olsson preventing Ramsey getting on the end of a Gael Clichy cross. Arsenal should have then equalised when Van Persie's header came back off the bar. The ball dropped to Ramsey right in front of goal, but the Wales midfielder could only strike it straight at Scott Carson.

As Morrison returned with a bandage around his head the Gunners continued to press, Samir Nasri seeing a cross come off the legs of Abdoulaye Meite towards goal but Carson was able to avert the danger. Van Persie tried his luck just before the break but his shot was off-target.

There was a substitution for each side at half-time as Albion boss Roy Hodgson brought on Marek Cech for Paul Scharner, who had also taken a knock to the head, and Wenger introduced Marouane Chamakh in place of Denilson in an attempt to give his side more attacking impetus.

Chamakh soon sent a header goalwards but it did not trouble Carson and within minutes, the Baggies were almost 2-0 in front as Brunt slid in to meet Cech's cross, the captain just poking it the wrong side of the post.

Wenger bolstered his forward line again with Nicklas Bendtner coming on for Ramsey, but just seconds later West Brom did score again - thanks in no small part to Almunia. The Spanish goalkeeper came charging out of his box when Youssouf Mulumbu launched a long ball forward but completely misjudged it before getting in a tangle with Squillaci and Odemwingie gleefully slotted into the net.

The watching Jens Lehmann, back on the Arsenal bench after rejoining the club on a rolling monthly contract earlier in the week, looked less than impressed.

When Koscielny picked up a booking for a hefty challenge on Odemwingie and Van Persie blazed a free-kick over the bar, the Gunners seemed to be fading, but a slick move saw them suddenly pull a goal back through Arshavin, who played a one-two with Chamakh before turning and rifling a shot beyond Carson.

Marc-Antoine Fortune came on for Odemwingie but Arsenal began pouring forward and eight minutes after Arshavin's strike they found a leveller, with the Russian again the catalyst. His looping cross hit the post and Meite was unable to deal with the rebound before Van Persie bundled it over the line.

Arsenal now looked the more likely winners, but Fortune went close at the other end, cutting into the box and seeing his shot deflect wide. Play switched once more and the Gunners sent a succession of balls into the West Brom box, but there was no way through. Jack Wilshere shot over the bar and Carson saved from Clichy at the death as Albion hung on for a vital point.

LINE UPS:

WEST BROMWICH ALBION: 01-Carson, 03-Olsson, 07-Morrison, 11-Brunt, 12-Reid, 14-Thomas, 20-Shorey, 21-Mulumbu, 23-Meite, 24-Odemwingie, 33-Scharner SUBS USED: 04-Cech, 28-Fortune

ARSENAL: 01-Almunia, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 15-Denilson, 16-Ramsey, 18-Squillaci, 19-Wilshere, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin SUBS USED: 29-Chamakh, 52-Bendtner

Todays other scores:

Aston Villa 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers: WW-Jarvis

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Blackpool: BR-Samba, Hoilett; BP-Adam (2)

Everton 2-1 Fulham: EV-Coleman, Saha; FU-Dempsey

Manchester United 1-0 Bolton Wanderers: MU-Berbatov

Stoke City 4-0 Newcastle United: SC-Walters, Pennant, Higginbotham, Fuller

Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 West Ham United

Wigan Athletic 2-1 Birmingham City: WA-Cleverley, Figueroa; BC-Ridgewell

Swiss FA make statement regarding Djourou

The Swiss Football Association have backtracked on a statement released early yesterday which had hinted that centre-back Johan Djourou could feature for his homeland in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.

The towering Arsenal defender is understood to have dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United last weekend; an injury which Arsene Wenger initially diagnosed as being serious enough to rule out the 24-year-old for the rest of the season.

Confusion reigned yesterday when a statement on the official website of the Swiss FA stressed that their own medical team felt Djourou could feature again in the near future having not sustained serious ligament or bone damage.

Nevertheless, under pressure from the Gunners the Swiss have again changed their stance in a statement entitled, Djourou: Hope Gone.

“Johan Djourou’s shoulder injury means he will definitely not play for Switzerland against Bulgaria on March 26.

“The 24-year-old defender will be examined by a specialist on Thursday.”

Djourou fit and well say Swiss FA

Arsenal expect defender Johan Djourou to be out for the rest of the season despite suggestions to the contrary from Switzerland today.

The Swiss Football Association posted a statement on their official website today suggesting a more positive prognosis than Arsene Wenger's initial post-match comments after Djourou suffered a dislocated shoulder in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester United.
However, that article, which even went as far as to suggest the defender could feature in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria on March 26, has since been removed.
It is understood the 24-year-old will now have further scans with Arsenal's medical team and is expected to undergo corrective surgery later this week.
The Swiss FA had claimed that the damage was not as bad as initially feared after the defender underwent extensive tests on Monday.
Swiss team doctors found that Djourou did not have any broken bones and his shoulder ligaments were not seriously strained, prompting the Swiss FA to claim that they will make "every effort" to get Djourou fit to face Bulgaria in an away qualifier on March 26.

Andre Ayew silent over Arsenal transfer speculation

Marseille winger Andre Ayew has refused to be drawn into speculation that he is on the verge of moving to Arsenal at the end of the season.

Ayew, son of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele, has impressed for the Ligue 1 club this season after spending the last few years away on-loan.

The youngster has persistently been linked with moves to English sides with Manchester United and Liverpool touted as the clubs keen on signing him.

According to fresh English media reports on Tuesday, the 21-year-old had been on the radar of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for some time, and the Frenchman is certain now is the time to sign his man.

But Ayew would not discuss the matter, other than to stress that the speculation would not affect his quest to win laurels for his clubs this season.

“I’m not going to talk about speculation in the newspapers and websites about my future with Marseille,” Ayew told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“These speculations won’t affect me at all because I am only focused on doing one thing and that’s helping my club Marseille this season.

“When these reports started to filter out, I extended my contract with this great club Marseille and I am keen to continue here.

“I will continue to play my heart out for my club as we want to win trophies and not to concentrate on what the media is speculating.”

The deal could spark the end of Andrey Arshavin’s time in North London after the Russian has grown frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Blackburn plan £15m striker swoops

Blackburn Rovers are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.

The Dane has in the past voiced concerns about his situation at the north London club and has made just three starts in the Premier League this term.

And having failed to lure the likes of David Beckham and Ronaldinho in the past, The Daily Mail reports that Rovers are now looking to make a £15 million move for the towering forward.

It is thought that Blackburn may look to lure the forward with a hefty wage package, despite currently struggling in the Premier League.

Gunners could sign keepers on Lehmans terms

Jens Lehmann is set to come out of retirement and return to Arsenal on a short-term contract if he can prove his fitness to Arsene Wenger.

Lehmann, 41, is in talks with the Gunners about a shock return three years after leaving them and hopes to be included in the squad for this weekend's trip to West Brom.

It is understood that the veteran, who was at Camp Nou last week for Arsenal's Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona, will be assessed by Wenger in training sessions at London Colney this week.

Manuel Almunia is the Londoners' only senior goalkeeper currently available following injuries to Wojciech Szczesny (finger) and Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder), while rookie Vito Mannone, currently on loan at Hull City, is sidelined with a thigh problem.

James Shea, a 19-year-old England youth international, has been recalled from a loan spell at Southampton but is considered too inexperienced for frontline action.

Lehmann is currently a free agent having retired from the game last summer after two seasons with Stuttgart back in the Bundesliga following his five-year spell at Arsenal.

The Premier League have confirmed that the German can be signed outside the transfer window as he is currently without a club and Wenger, who revealed last week that he intended to bring in cover for the run-in, would hope to have him available and on the bench at the Hawthorns.  Lehmann made almost 200 appearances for the club after signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2003 and was sent off in the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona before losing his place to Almunia, although he would be considered very much understudy to the Spaniard this time around.
The former Germany international has been working in the media since retiring from the game and has attended matches at the Emirates already this season as a pundit for both English and German broadcasters.

Arsenal fans, would you like to see the mad German have a final swansong for the Gunners or at 41 should Wenger have looked for other options.  Email us at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Ramsey Happy To Be Back In Action

Aaron Ramsey insists he is not haunted by the memory of his broken leg as he bids to get Arsenal's season back on track.

The Wales midfielder came on as a substitute in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United as the Gunners crashed out of a third cup competition in the space of a fortnight.

Having got matches under his belt at Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Cardiff, Ramsey pulled on an Arsenal shirt for the first time in over a year after breaking his leg in a tackle against Stoke's Ryan Shawcross in February 2010.

He was unable to turn around the Gunners' fortunes at Old Trafford, but he hopes his return to action can help give Arsenal a much-needed boost as they turn their focus to the Premier League.

Unofficial Champions Arsenal Exit FA CupManchester United 2 (Fabio 28, Rooney 49) Arsenal 0

Two weeks ago Arsene Wengers side had the chance of winning the quadruple.  Now, after defeats to Birmingham City, Barcelona and now Manchester United all Arsene Wengers team have to fight for is the Official Premier League title.

It all looked to rosy for the Gunners a couple of weeks backj, playing there famous attractive football they were brushing teams aside at ease but since the Carling Cup Final its all gone a bit, well, wrong really.

The defensive mix-up between Koscielny and Szcz ... Sx.... the keeper cost them their first cup of the season and they were outclassed by a much superior Barcelona who I feel would've knocked Arsenal out even if RVP hadn't been sent off but I felt they could beat a Manchester United side that fielded SEVEN defenders.

The beginning of the match would've given Arsenal fans a lot of hope playing some decent football but it was United that opened the scoring. Arsenal pushed forward but United won the ball and hit the Gunners on the counter attack.  A lovely floated ball from Rooney found Hernandez who's header was parried by the returning Almunia but the ball only went as far as Fabio, or was it Raphael, no definately Fabio who slid in and put the ball into the roof of the net.

Arsenal were still attacking and if it weren't for the heroics of veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar maybe the score line would've been different but at half time United were leading 1-0.

The second half couldn't have started better for United.  Antonio Valencia made his return after a long absense recovering from a broken leg.  Again it was an Arsenal attack that led to United extedning their lead.  Koscielny twice denied by the outstanding van der Sar was out of position and as United attacked Hernandez shot was again blocked but Wayne Rooney, who is getting back to his best, was there to nod home.

From here I felt the game was over.

With Arsenal trying to get back into the game they left spaces at the back and United tried to get the third.  They almost did with eight minutes remianing, Hernandez shot was blocked by a combination of Sagna and Djourou. Djourou stayed on the floor for over five minutes where he recieved oxygen and was stretchered off.  Later it was discovered the defenders season was over suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Wenger had used up his three substitutes so Arsenal for the second game running finished with 10 men.  Now the game was over.

Verdict on the game: Very entertaining.  I can see why Ferguson wants Van der Sar to stay for another season at United.  Even though he is now 40 he showed today he is still the best keeper in the Premier League, maybe even Europe.

United head into the semi-finals, where they were joined today by Bolton Wanderers, looking forward to maybe another treble while Arsenal can concentrate on their Premier League ambitions (as well as keeping the more important unofficial title!!)

United fans, do you think you can repeat the feat of 1999, and Arsenal fans, do you think Wenger will get that ellusive trophy or will it be another year of what if's and maybe, let me know by emailing us at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter #jamiemason76

Line Ups:

Manchester United: 01-Van der Sar, 03-Evra, 06-Brown, 10-Rooney, 12-Smalling, 14-Hernandez, 15-Vidic, 20-Fabio Da Silva, 21-Rafael Da Silva, 22-O'Shea, 28-Gibson SUBS USED: 11-Giggs, 18-Scholes, 25-Valencia

Arsenal: 01-Almunia, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 15-Denilson, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 23-Arshavin, 28-Gibbs SUBS USED: 07-Rosicky, 16-Ramsey, 29-Chamakh

Unofficial Title Holder Out Of Champions LeagueBarcelona 3 (Messi 45, 71, Xavi, 69) Arsenal 1 (Busquets 51og) Barca win 4-3 on agg

Ten-man Arsenal succumbed to Barcelona as they were again knocked out of the Champions League by the Catalan outfit.

A Cesc Fabregas mistake allowed Lionel Messi to chip a ball over keeper Manuel Almunia and slot in for Barca.

Arsenal levelled through a Sergio Busquets own goal before the visitors had Robin van Persie harshly sent off.

Barcelona took full advantage as a brilliant move led to Xavi slotting in before Laurent Koscielny's foul on Pedro let Messi score from the spot.

Arsene Wenger's side had their Champions League dreams shattered at the Nou Camp last season when a Messi-inspired Barcelona came from a goal down to win their quarter-final 4-1 and 6-3 on aggregate.

The Gunners' return this time around, with a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their last 16 tie, was a test of whether they had progressed and developed enough to show the steel and substance to beat the Spaniards.

Ultimately, they fell short again and, although the north London outfit will have cause for complaint with the dismissal of Van Persie for a second yellow card, they were given another footballing lesson by the home side.

Arsenal barely failed to muster a shot on goal as they spent most of the game trying to stop the Barca tide.

Van Persie and Fabregas had missed the defeat at the Nou Camp last season and, although they started this time around, the result was the same as the pair played pivotal roles in Arsenal's downfall.

The Gunners had been forced to swap their artistry for attrition as Pep Guardiola's team quickly set the tone of the game by dominating possession while passing and probing for an opening.

Barcelona's work rate in winning the ball back helped keep up their relentless pressure as Arsenal, who had to replace goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with Almunia early on, could not produce the crisp and controlled passing required to provide some relief.

The saving grace for the Gunners was that they were defending with discipline and determination, which was initially limiting their opponents to fleeting chances.

Overlapping Barcelona left-back Adriano hit the outside of the bar with an acute-angled shot before a weaving Messi run ended in him shooting straight at Almunia.

However, as half-time beckoned when Fabregas, who had described the Nou Camp as "mythical" in the build-up, inexplicably attempted a back-heel to Jack Wilshere 30 yards out only to give the ball away to Iniesta.

The Barcelona midfielder accepted the gift and dinked a ball through to Messi, who brilliantly lofted it over the onrushing Almunia before smacking in a shot.

It was a body blow for the Gunners and, despite being given a route back into the game when a Samir Nasri corner was headed into his own net by Busquets after 53 minutes, the visitors quickly suffered another setback.

Van Persie, who had been booked for an earlier foul on Dani Alves, was dismissed three minutes later for a second booking after attempting a shot at goal just after the whistle had been blown.

The Dutchman claimed he had not heard the whistle but it did not take the Catalan club long to make their numerical advantage count as Iniesta produced a wriggling run before finding Villa and his first time pass released Xavi, who slotted in.

Koscielny felled Pedro to concede a spot-kick, which Messi expertly converted, as Arsenal were on the brink of capitulation.

It was only the heroics of Almunia which kept the score down as he denied Ibrahim Afellay and Messi, while Alves missed a gilt-edged chance.

Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner could have punished the La Liga outfit by getting a goal which would have seen his side win on away goals.

But, when found by a late Wilshere cross, like his team, the striker did not have the quality needed as his control let him down.

LINE UPS:

Barcelona: 01-Valdes, 02-Daniel, 06-Xavi, 07-Villa, 08-Iniesta, 10-Messi, 14-Mascherano, 16-Busquets, 17-Pedrito, 21-Adriano Correia, 22-Abidal SUBS USED: 15-Keita, 19-Maxwell, 20-Afellay

Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 04-Fabregas, 06-Koscielny, 07-Rosicky, 08-Nasri, 10-Van Persie, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy SUBS USED: 01-Almunia, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner

Arsenal Blow Chance To Close Title Gap Arsenal 0 Sunderland 0

Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to one point after being held to a goalless draw by resilient Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners knew that with United away to Liverpool on Sunday they could take a potentially significant stride towards a first top-flight title since 2004.

Instead, they will be frustrated that they stand three points behind their rivals after being denied victory by a mixture of questionable refereeing decisions and poor finishing.

Andrey Arshavin was involved in the two key incidents in the game. The Russian had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside and was denied a penalty when Titus Bramble appeared to push the forward as he was about to shoot.

Arsenal also missed chances as Samir Nasri had his free-kick parried by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, Marouane Chamakh was thwarted by the crossbar and Arshavin shot tamely from 12 yards.

It might even have been worse for Arsenal as Sunderland, who had lost each of their previous four matches, came close to snatching a late winner through Danny Welbeck.

Arsene Wenger's men must now shake off their disappointment and turn their attention to Tuesday's critical Champions League last-16 second leg against Barcelona - where they will aim to defend a 2-1 lead.

Cesc Fabregas is likely to recover from a hamstring injury in time to start at the Nou Camp but in his programme notes the Gunners captain urged Arsenal to focus solely on Sunderland with the title race "in our hands now".

Focus was indeed a key requirement for them in the early stages as Sunderland enjoyed plenty of possession, passing and moving with confidence and intent.

Johan Djourou needed to be alert to clear a low Jordan Henderson cross with Asamoah Gyan ready to pounce, while Phil Bardsley drilled narrowly wide from 20 yards.

Both sides were set up in 4-2-3-1 formations yet it was the visitors, winless in the league at Arsenal since 1983, who carried the greater threat going forward.

Lacking the calming influences of Fabregas and Robin van Persie, the hosts were forced to play largely on the counter-attack in the first half and the home supporters were soon murmuring in frustration.

A sliding Nicklas Bendtner almost connected with Gael Clichy's cross from the left but they had still yet to test Mignolet when Stephane Sessegnon saw a powerful effort repelled by Wojciech Szczesny at the other end.

Eventually Nasri began to drift infield from his position on the right of midfield and it seemed to help Arsenal settle into something resembling their usual rhythm.

On 35 minutes the Frenchman slalomed his way past several Sunderland defenders before his cut-back was deflected behind, and from the resultant corner Bendtner hit a close-range overhead kick straight at Mignolet.

Sunderland were now carrying less of a threat and manager Steve Bruce's concern showed when he lambasted Gyan for losing the ball on the near touchline and then failing to chase back.

The Black Cats were almost made to pay as Jack Wilshere released Bendtner, only for Mignolet to claw the Dane's goal-bound shot over the bar.

Arsenal started the second half much as they finished the first - seeing plenty of the ball but struggling to put Sunderland under sustained pressure or create meaningful openings.

But when Chamakh was brought on for Denilson - Wenger replacing a holding midfielder with a striker - the substitute almost had an immediate impact, only for Mignolet to deny Arshavin after the Moroccan's run and pass from right.

It was not long before Arsenal were applying pressure and Nasri's free-kick was clawed away before Chamakh rattled the woodwork with a close-range header.

The Gunners were laying siege to Sunderland's goal and they had a glorious chance to break the deadlock when Wilshere put Arshavin away but the Russian sliced wide under pressure from Bramble, who was lucky not to concede a spot-kick for a shove in the back of his opponent.

Sunderland managed to weather the storm and even pushed for a winner themselves, substitute Welbeck - returning from six weeks out - turning and delivering a shot that a diving Szczesny did brilliantly to turn behind. Bramble fired over from the corner.

But the game's most controversial moment came when Arshavin rounded Mignolet and put the ball into the Sunderland net only to be pulled back for offside despite being clearly level when played through by Bendtner.

Right at the last, Bendtner sent a glanced header goalwards and Djourou was inches away from diverting the ball past Mignolet as Arsenal's last hopes of a winner disappeared.

LINE UPS:

Arsenal: 53-Szczesny, 02-Diaby, 03-Sagna, 06-Koscielny, 08-Nasri, 15-Denilson, 19-Wilshere, 20-Djourou, 22-Clichy, 23-Arshavin, 52-Bendtner SUBS USED: 07-Rosicky, 29-Chamakh

Sunderland: 22-Mignolet, 02-Bardsley, 03-Richardson, 05-Mensah, 08-Malbranque, 10-Henderson, 11-Muntari, 19-Bramble, 28, Sessegnon, 29-Ferdinand, 33-Gyan SUBS USED: 17-Welbeck, 25-Colback

Arsenal Ease To Replay Win Arsenal 5 (Chamakh 7, Bendtner 30, 43pen, 62, Clichy 75) Leyton Orient 0

Nicklas Bendtner's classy hat-trick booked an enticing FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United as Arsenal swatted aside Leyton Orient.

Marouane Chamakh slotted an early opener before Bendtner's superb header, then a curling finish, put Arsenal's second-string in command.

Bendtner's cool third came from the penalty spot after Kieran Gibbs was tripped by Alex Revell in the box.

Substitute Gael Clichy then lashed in low with 15 minutes remaining.

League One Orient were routinely swept aside in this fifth-round replay, but Arsenal's crushing disappointment from Sunday's failure to collect their first trophy since 2005 - after losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham - was hard to hide at a muted Emirates Stadium.

The hosts initially looked like they lacked a spring in their step, but fears of further agony evaporated in the seventh minute with a goal of typical Arsenal quality.

Irish debutant Conor Henderson - another ball-playing midfielder - probed for a gap through the back-line and the 19-year-old's deflected pass was pounced on by Tomas Rosicky, who sped to the byeline to clip a square ball through the legs of Charlie Daniels across the box.

Moroccan striker Chamakh held his position to coolly side-foot the ball through the legs of Terrell Forbes from eight yards out, right into the corner of the net, for his first goal since the end of November.

Orient hit back soon after as Ignasi Miquel's poor headed clearance fell for Ben Chorley.

But his full-blooded volley was blocked by a crouching team-mate in front of Manuel Almunia, who nevertheless had it covered.

Their best chance came when pacy Daniels twisted and turned down the left wing to whip in a dangerous low cross.

Yet Revell misjudged his promising position in the area to put his point-blank snapshot wide from only six yards out.

Bendtner had appeared marginally uninterested, but that changed during the course of an sparkling 20-minute spell from the Danish forward before half-time.

His first goal, in the 27th-minute, was a superb effort as he leapt high to outmuscle Daniels before guiding a looping header past the reach of O's keeper Jamie Jones from a floated Gibbs cross.

With that, Arsene Wenger's team took complete control.

The second from Bendtner was even better that the first. Pouncing on a loose ball, he stalked into the area while teasing the ball just in front of Andrew Whing to find a gap before curling a low shot perfectly past Jones into the far corner.

The hosts remained in second gear after the break although Orient, with impressive Daniels a constant outlet down the right, did at least show a sense of adventure.

Abou Diaby should have added Arsenal's fourth in the 50th minute after he danced round a host of defenders on a charge towards goal.

But, after a fine one-two with Chamakh set him free inside the box, he dragged his low shot just wide.

It finally came in the 62nd minute when Gibbs shimmied his way into the area only to be felled by Revell, who looked uncomfortable defending.

Bendtner's penalty finish was true and unerring as he completed his hat-trick before being taken off, though not before nearly gifting a goal to the east Londoners as he dallied while covering at right-back.

One sour note was the withdrawal of Rosicky, who suffered concussion after a heavy collision.

The 75th minute coup de grace was inevitable as injury-hit Arsenal, who host Sunderland in the Premier League before facing Barcelona away in the Champions League, pushed forward in waves.

Emmanuel Eboue's testing ball across the box evaded O's defenders. Chamakh dummied and the ball just eluded substitute Jack Wilshere, but French left-back Clichy ran on to it like a stream train to propel a powerful low finish just inside the far post past overworked Jones.

LINE UPS:

Arsenal: 01-Almunia, 02-Diaby, 07-Rosicky, 15-Denilson, 18-Squillaci, 27-Eboue, 28-Gibbs, 29-Chamakh, 44-Henderson, 48-Miquel, 52-Bendtner SUBS USED: 08-Nasri, 19-Wilshere, 22-Clichy

Leyton Orient: 01-Jones, 03-Whing, 04-Chorley, 06-Forbes, 07-Cox, 08-Dawson, 09-McGleish, 11-Revell, 13-Daniels, 17-Crowe, 25-Carroll SUBS USED: 16-Spring, 18-Tehoue, 27-M'Poku