Young guns return in bid for first Arsenal win of 2012
Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain overcame a knee injury to start against Blackburn in this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Francis Coquelin came in at right-back as Bacary Sanga, just returned from a broken ankle, was on the bench along with Thierry Henry as the Gunners looked for a first league win of 2012.
Blackburn may be struggling at the wrong end of the table, but were unbeaten in the last three away games, which included a shock win at Manchester United.
Transfer-listed captain Chris Samba was left out, but fit-again forward David Goodwillie was among the substitutes as was new signing Bradley Orr.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Coquelin, Song, Rosicky, Arteta, Walcott, van Persie, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna, Park, Henry, Ramsey, Arshavin, Benayoun.
Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Givet, Martin Olsson, Pedersen, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Dunn, Modeste.
Subs: Bunn, Formica, Orr, Rochina, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Hanley.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)
