Player Ratings: Blackpool 1-3 Arsenal

Sharp stops to deny van Persie and Nasri but questionable decision-making never inspired confidence. Could do nothing to stop the Arsenal goals.

Worked hard going forward but did not seem to communicate with his centre-backs and allowed Van Persie to pull into space.

Looked clumsy against the Arsenal strikers' nimble footwork and clever movement. Did make some good last-ditch blocks but was too late to stop Eboue's goal.

Defended well in one-on-one situations against Nasri and was generally the best of a poor Blackpool back four. Offered little support or quality going forward.

Set the tone for Blackpool in midfield and his set-piece delivery was a constant threat. Picked out some lovely passes in the second half as the Tangerines' tried to fight their way back into the game.

Offered little protection for his defenders and put hardly any pressure on the Arsenal midfielders, therefore allowing the likes of Fabregas to keep playing incisive passes. Missed a brilliant chance to equalise in the second half.

Pace and direct running on the right side was a good outlet for the hosts but final delivery was not up to scratch.

Turned the game on its head as he stroked home seven minutes after the re-start and should have been awarded a penalty shortly after when he was hacked down by Koscielny.

Nearly scored on the stroke of half-time but couldn't dig the ball into the net on the goalline. Responded after the break with a perfectly timed run to create Taylor-Fletcher's goal and movement was a constant menace.

Excellent chance just after the re-start but could only divert Adam's free-kick wide of the post. Busy performance but didn't make his mark on the game.

The 41-year-old was thrown in for his first Arsenal start since his return to the club following a knee injury picked up by Almunia in the warm-up. Rushed off his line and mistimed his challenge on Campbell in the build-up to Blackpool's goal but made a super save to deny the Blackpool striker with the score at 3-1.

Solid display against the pace of Puncheon and used the ball well when in possession.

Stupid challenge on Taylor-Fletcher in the second half should have resulted in a penalty to Blackpool. A blot in a generally impressive display.

Struggled to deal with the movement of Campbell and looked throughout like he could easily be bullied. Improved as the game went on and held firm in the closing stages.

A cult hero among the Arsenal fans and scored his first goal of the season as he slammed into the roof of the net following some neat link-up play with Wilshere.

Highlighted his ability by starting and then finishing an excellent move to score the opening goal of the game. Impressive on the ball and started the move for the Gunners' third goal.

Quiet display from the Russian. Never got in the game other than an early volley sliced into the stands. Replaced by Walcott in the 61st minute.

Always willing to take responsibility as he demanded the ball from team-mates and rattled into 50-50 challenges. Lovely passing exchange with Eboue for the Ivorian's goal.

The French playmaker was not at his best but his neat passing and dangerous dribbling was always a threat to the hosts.

The Dutchman stroked home his 12th league goal of the season and it was thoroughly deserved. Always looking for space on the shoulder of the last man, he created the first goal with a wonderful touch and pass.