Walcott, Arsenal Handle Blackpool

After barely receiving a point with a lucky draw against Liverpool, Arsenal returned to their winning ways in grand style Saturday, with an emphatic win against recently promoted Blackpool. The Gunners looked fast and organized against a club that surprised some folks in their opening match. Heading into the match, Blackpool were actually ahead of Arsenal in the standings, something we all knew wouldn't really last. From the kick-off, Blackpool were merely attempting only to "hold off" a team that is often considered one of England's best. Their attempt didn't last long, as Theo Walcott opened the floodgates early when finishing off a lovely pass from teammate Andrey Arshavin. From that point on, it was all Arsenal. 

The Gunners, knowing this would likely be a walk in the park, so to speak, didn't even start their two most prominent players. Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie were absent from the starting lineup, and didn't appear at all until midway through the second half. Although they were likely on the field only for the purpose of a little conditioning, the two world-classers who competed against each other in this year's World Cup Final seemed pleased to share the field with a team that didn't really need them on this particular afternoon. 

Walcott put two more into the back of the net before it was all done. Abu Diaby also sent a brilliantly timed burner past the poor Blackpool keeper, who will likely be more than willing to forget such a dreadful performance. A penalty kick from Arshavin and a late header from Marouane Chamakh added to Arsenal's tally boosting them to a 6 nill victory over the now lowly Blackpool. 

Can Arsenal keep up this terrific play when they face Blackburn this Saturday?

And, does Blackpool have any chance of remaining in the Premiership through 2012?