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Wenger boils over - Jens gifts equaliser to 'violent' Rovers
Last updated at 20:53pm on 19.08.07Arsene Wenger accused Blackburn players of 'a desire of violence' after an Ewood Park clash that reignited all the ill-feeling that has turned this fixture into an ugly affair.
Four yellow cards each and a red for Rovers skipper Ryan Nelsen left Arsenal manager Wenger unable to resist a jibe at Mark Hughes after their recent seasons of verbal sparring.
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Despair: Jens Lehmann holds his head after his howler
Blackburn were able to celebrate a point after David Dunn scored his first goal since rejoining his hometown club thanks to a 72nd-minute blunder by Jens Lehmann, who spilled his 25-yard shot into the net.
But Wenger fumed: "We were resilient against a team that was over-physical. There was sometimes a desire of violence more than commitment in some challenges and we dealt well with the problems."
Blackburn boss Hughes said: "It's a cheap shot. He's hiding behind those comments because his side was dominated. I'm deeply disappointed."
Hughes compared Robin van Persie's foul on Nelsen, punished by a yellow card, to Reading striker Dave Kitson's challenge against United that earned a red on the opening weekend.
On target: Robin Van Persie strikes for Arsenal against Blackburn
He insisted: "We played the better football and could have snatched it. Arsenal competed well but they had to pack their midfield to curb the amount of play we were having before the sending-off."
Van Persie's 17th-minute opener looked to be enough for Arsenal until Lehmann made his second major error of the season. Wenger said: "Jens is very down in the dressing-room. I don't need to tell him, he's an intelligent boy. But we don't want to blame him."
The enmity between these teams was sealed when Andy Todd's elbow caught Van Persie in the face during a notorious 2005 FA Cup semi-final and that bitterness never receded.
So it was only a matter of time before the antagonism rose to the surface and it didn't help that Arsenal's goal followed a throwin that should have been awarded the other way.
Brad Friedel, a goalkeeper whose mistakes per season can be counted on one hand, was at fault in the middle of a goalmouth mix-up on the day he played his 250th Premier League match. Nelsen also played a part with the soft header back that allowed Eduardo a half-hit shot from close range that Friedel stopped but failed to gather.
Despite Dunn's best efforts, blocking one shot by Cesc Fabregas as Arsenal closed in for the kill, Van Persie was on hand to fire the rebound beyond the flailing Friedel.
Off: Ryan Nelson is given his marching orders
David Bentley, already taunted by his old club's fans, was booked for a spat with Van Persie which ended in a touchline tangle but no card for the Dutchman, which only fuelled home irritation. Robbie Savage fell clutching his face after a robust challenge by Mathieu Flamini, who was booked, although replays appeared to show that the Rovers midfielder had been caught in the torso.
Brett Emerton and Alex Hleb clashed about nothing in particular, Eduardo was floored by Nelsen and Samba saw yellow for fouling Van Persie.
Somewhere in there, a football match struggled to get out — Nelsen headed a free-kick against a post and Theo Walcott wasted the chance for a second Arsenal goal with a poor ball for the unmarked Van Persie.
But that suddenly seemed secondary as Savage was booked for catching Fabregas and finished the first half arguing towards the tunnel with referee Alan Wiley.
It was still a tinderbox waiting to be ignited when Savage raced through in the 49th minute, then went flying inches inside the penalty box as he made contact with Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.
Wiley refused the Welshman a penalty and diplomatically ignored the question of whether that meant Savage deserved a second yellow card for simulation, but the referee couldn't avoid more controversy.
Lehmann, having gathered a misdirected header from Matt Derbyshire, carried the ball back over the line but the fans' howls of protest went unheeded. With seven minutes left, Nelsen was given a second yellow for a clash with — inevitably — Van Persie.
Reader views (2)
I don't think the present Arsenal squad will win anything if they play like that against Blackburn. They respond to rough tactics by Blackburn with almost equal numbers of fouls and yellow cards. This broke their fluid passing game as evident from the second half play.
I believe what Arsene meant when he says the team has got stronger and more experience this year is not for the team to respond with childish retribution whenever they get kicked. They must show mental strength by picking themselves up after each foul on them, wipe off the anguish and play their beautiful game which is the hallmark of the Arsenal football. They must learn from last year's lesson not to respond with foul or be cowered by rough plays but to turn that anguish in to positive play. Take revenge by scoring more goals and winning the game which is the sweetest of all revenge. Don't get unsettled by opposition player's remarks and rough play. Play your game.
- Jonah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lehmann should go on holiday to re-freshen his memory and update his concentration. When he comes back, he should sit on the bench as this will create a hunger in him. We can't afford to continue in his carelessness. This season is HIGHLY COMPETITIVE, and could be anybody's race.
- Gunner4real, Essex. UK
