Arsene Wenger claimed the watching Thierry Henry inspired his side as they ran riot against Blackburn. The Gunners hit eight without reply in their two league games against Rovers last season and were rampant again despite trailing twice in the first half

Arsene Wenger claimed the watching Thierry Henry inspired his side as they ran riot against Blackburn.

The Gunners hit eight without reply in their two league games against Rovers last season and were rampant again despite trailing twice in the first half.

Thomas Vermaelen hammered home his fifth league goal of the season either side of efforts from Steven Nzonzi and David Dunn before Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin - both set up by the excellent Cesc Fabregas - made it 3-2 to the hosts at the interval.

Dunn had a strong penalty appeal turned down for Rovers after the restart, much to Rovers boss Sam Allardyce's annoyance, before Arsenal pulled away when Fabregas volley home a stunning fourth.

The skipper then set up substitute Theo Walcott, making his first appearance of the season, for the fifth before another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner, rounded off the scoring in injury time when he cut inside and unleashed a stunning effort which went in off a post . He is Arsenal's 15th goalscorer this campaign.

"Thierry inspired our goalscoring because they wanted to show him they can score goals and they are good followers of him," said Wenger.

"It is good to see him back here although I believe he belongs more to Highbury than to Emirates ... he would have scored today certainly."

And with such goalscoring talent, the manager reiterated his belief his side can win the title, as long as they tighten up at back: "We are in a strong position ... when we are confident we have a flow that looks like the goals will come at any moment and from anywhere.

"There is some strength coming out of this team - we have to add some discipline defensively ... it's a consequence of our philosophy.