Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also scored twice as Arsene Wenger saw his team close to just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Dutchman Van Persie fired the Gunners ahead inside two minutes, but a fine free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen brought Blackburn level.

Arsenal were soon back in front through skipper Van Persie, before Oxlade-Chamberlain extended the lead.

Gael Givet saw red for a two-footed challenge on Van Persie, and there was no way back for Rovers.

Arsenal dominated the second half, as Mikel Arteta and the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain were both on target with Van Persie collecting the matchball following a neat near-post finish just after the hour.

Substitute Thierry Henry swept home goal number seven in stoppage time to cap a memorable afternoon at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who are up into fifth place, will be hoping for a Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to improve their Champions League prospects for next season.

Today Wenger’s side took just one minute and 19 seconds to move ahead.

Theo Walcott was played into the right side of the penalty area by Francis Coquelin after a cross was only half cleared.

The England winger, frequently maligned for his poor choice of final ball, played a low centre through the six-yard box to Van Persie who tapped in his 121st Arsenal goal to overtake Dennis Bergkamp on the all-time list.

Today’s match had been brought forward to a 1pm start because of disruptions to the London Underground network, and there were plenty of empty seats around Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, who had not recorded a league win in 2012, continued to press as the visitors, unbeaten in three away games including a shock win at Old Trafford, defended deep with two banks of four.

Paul Robinson turned a curling effort from Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky around the post.

But after 31 minutes, Laurent Koscielny bundled over Anthony Modeste just outside the Arsenal penalty area.

It proved a costly foul as Gamst Pedersen whipped the resulting free-kick over the wall and into the top-left corner, a shot which Wojciech Szczesny got a hand to but could not keep out.

After the restart, there was a stoppage when Blackburn’s Jason Lowe went over on his ankle in a sliding challenge from Rosicky, and the midfielder was replaced by Bradley Orr to make his debut.

Arsenal were ahead again after 38 minutes, and again it was Walcott who was the provider.

Following patient build-up, Alex Song slipped the England man away down the right again, and he sprinted to cut the ball back from the goalline right into the path of Van Persie, who again made no mistake from a yard out.

Before Rovers could regroup, it was 3-1.

Walcott and Van Persie combined again, this time to release Oxlade-Chamberlain into the Blackburn penalty area, where he skipped around Robinson and slotted home his first Premier League goal five minutes from half-time.

The afternoon got worse for the visitors after 43 minutes when Givet was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner for jumping in with two feet on Van Persie.

Rovers made an immediate tactical change as midfielder David Dunn was replaced by defender Grant Hanley.

The hosts went close again when Thomas Vermaelen crashed the ball against the far post from Arteta’s floated cross.

Arsenal further extended their lead after 51 minutes.

Blackburn only half cleared a corner to the edge of the area, from where Spaniard midfielder Arteta drilled the ball back into the bottom left corner.

Rovers, who had beaten the Gunners 4-3 at Ewood Park in September, were over-run again after 54 minutes when Walcott’s mazy dribble through the penalty area took him past five defenders before slipping in Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turned his marker and rolled the ball past Robinson.

It was now very much a case of damage limitation for the visitors, manager Steve Kean pensively looking on from the dugout.

Van Persie, who twice struck the woodwork in Wednesday night’s frustrating goalless draw at Bolton, completed his hat-trick after 62 minutes when he clipped home a cross from Coquelin at the near post.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced by Henry for the final 23 minutes, which could not finish soon enough for Blackburn.

To round the scoring off, Henry – on loan from New York Red Bulls – swept home number seven in stoppage time, with the aid of a deflection. (Soccernet)

Arsenal

The Frenchman says he is tempted to rotate his squad to avoid players becoming fatigued after matches against Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers in the past week.

“I will rotate a little bit because many players have given a lot,” he told the club’s official website. “[With Van Persie] the temptation is there.

“We are in a situation at the moment where he is the main goalscorer, so I will maybe have to build a team that works around him.”

Park Chu-Young, Thierry Henry and Theo Walcott are potential candidates to replace Van Persie in attack if Wenger does decide to rest his talisman.

However, despite returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, the Arsenal boss has confirmed that Marouane Chamakh will not be involved.

“We have Park [Chu-Young], Thierry Henry, we have Walcott who wants to play through the middle – he has not done it,” he said.

“We have not done it but we always have adapted. Thierry Henry at the start was not a centre forward, Robin van Persie was not a centre forward, so we’ll see what we do if it happens.

“But Chamakh is back. No [he is not ready to play]. He should be in today because they have 48 hours to be back after the competition, but I will not use him tomorrow.”

Arsenal, who lost 4-3 in the reverse fixture against Blackburn earlier this season, currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. (Goal)

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger’s side spurned a host of chances to get in front, although they may consider themselves lucky to escape the Reebok with a point after Mark Davies appeared to be fouled twice in the box late on, first by Per Mertesacker and then by Wojciech Szczesny.

The draw has left Arsenal still searching for their first league win in 2012, while they have created a five-point gap behind Chelsea who sit in fourth. A point for Owen Coyle’s side, meanwhile, sees them two clear of the relegation zone, while the Scot will be encouraged by the industrial performance of his midfield against Wenger’s charges.

It was Arsenal who dominated the early moments of the match and the visitors created two good chances to go ahead in the first 10 minutes as Robin van Persie saw his header cleared off the line, while Aaron Ramsey’s sliding effort failed to trouble Adam Bogdan.

David Ngog proceeded to show how much of a threat he could be to the Arsenal defence with two of his own efforts. His initial chance forced a commanding save from Szczesny after he turned Laurent Koscielny to open himself up to goal.

The Frenchman was not deterred and tried again after Gretar Steinsson raided down Bolton’s right flank before setting up the striker, but his shot dribbled harmlessly wide.

Arsenal responded and enjoyed possession in Bolton’s half for the majority of the half, but dogged defending from the hosts denied Wenger’s men clear-cut chances on goal.

After the break, Arsenal came out fighting and continuously ambushed the Bolton defence with crosses and passes through the middle for the waiting Van Persie. However, the hosts remained resilient at the back to stifle Wenger’s charges.

Van Persie finally had his next big chance of the game after being handed the ball just a yard out, but the Dutchman was left frustrated by his effort which hit the post and out of danger.

Bolton remained firm at the back to deny Arsenal, while Coyle’s men had the chance to steal a point as Ngog’s header from Martin Petrov’s cross struck Koscielny, who had turned his back. (Goal)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger now faces a dilemma as to whether to cash in on 30-year-old Arshavin who has 18 months left on his contract.

But Arshavin is in Arsenal’s plans for the trip to Bolton tomorrow night and is in the squad. However, the Russian transfer window does not shut until next month.

That means the sale does not have to be done before 11pm but Arsenal would need to get a replacement before the English deadline shuts.

Arshavin has also said he would only return to former club Zenit St Petersburg if he goes back to Russia.

He joined Arsenal for £12m three years ago and they would want at least £8m but do not want to leave themselves short for the rest of the season.

Wenger said last week he “loves” Arshavin and wants him to stay but the Russian playmaker has been booed by Arsenal fans recently.

Henry is on loan at Arsenal from the New York Red Bulls, until February 16 . From now until then, Arsenal have seven fixtures, including a Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday (22/1/2012) and the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League against AC Milan on Wednesday (02/15/2012).

On February 26, Arsenal will play a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. This game is important for Arsenal, considering they are currently ranked fifth in the standings with 36 points, behind six points from Tottenham in the third position.

Henry admitted that he is interested to play against Tottenham. However, it depends on the deal between Arsenal and Red Bulls, and they will not force it if Red Bulls does not allow him to stay longer.

“Being part of a team that plays against Tottenham is a dream. It all depends on what he (Wenger) decide on how long I’ll stay here. Do not forget, I am a New York player, and by being captain, I have a number of tasks that must be respected , “Henry said.

“I would still be at Arsenal at the home game against Manchester United, and I also want to be involved in the Champions League match against AC Milan. However, I do not know if I will still will be here for the match against Tottenham because I also have to go back and prepare in New York, “he added.

The new season of the Major League Soccer (MLS) will begin on March 10. Before that, the Red Bulls has a preseason agenda.

“Henry have time about 6.5 weeks with us and we never imagined to keep him longer. We can keep him up to eight weeks, but surely can not be much longer than that,” Wenger said.

During his time as a loan player, Henry has played only once, namely in the FA Cup third round match against Leeds United at the Emirates on Monday (09/01/2012). Arsenal won 1-0 and Henry scored the only goal.

“Only he can do something like that. Fantastic,” said midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who moved from Arsenal to Barcelona, ??the end of last season.

Arsenal

The Loaning of Thierry Henry from New York Red Bulls makes Wenger a little calmer because he now has backup for Robin van Persie up front.

But the injury suffered by Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Andres Santos and Kieran Gibbs, is a major problem for the Gunners.

According to Mirror Football, the situation only reinforces Wenger’s desire to get Aly Cissokho who he had monitored for long. He only wants to bring the Lyon left back on loan.

Besides Cissokho, Wenger also will test a player from Oman, Al-Mukhaini Saas, who plays for Fanja SC on the recommendation of his friend, Paul Le Guen who is now the national team  coach of Oman.

Arsenal

The 22-year-old winger is under contract with the Gunners until the summer of 2013. So far news had circulated that Walcott wants a raise.

When asked about the situation, Wenger said that he is happy to have the attacker. Wenger also believes his side can prevent Juventus who wants to bring Walcott to Turin.

“We want to keep Walcott and he knows it. Of course he continues to train hard every day,” said Wenger.

“His behavior is also amazing and I do not have many problems with it.”

Arsenal

According to the club’s official website, agreement was reached after discussing it with the Arsenal players, the Red Bulls, as well as officials of MLS. Henry’s arrival is expected to help Arsenal’s attacking area when Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh participates in the African Cup.

“When it comes to Arsenal, my heart is always vibrating,” said Henry.

“I joined not to be a hero or to prove something. I just want to help. People must understand that. Marouane and Gervinho has to play in the African Cup so I was asked to fill their position.”

“This is a loan contract and I will be more often on the bench. That is if I’m chosen to be on the bench! The team already has good players, I’m just a part of the squad.”

During his time with Arsenal from 1999 to 2007, Henry appeared 370 times and scored 226 goals. Before coming back, the 34-year-old striker has also been training in London Colney since last November or so since the MLS season ended.

Fiorentina

According to Football Italia, Fiorentina will enter the winter transfer market to search for a new striker after selling Alberto Gilardino to Genoa this weekend.

Although interested in Juventus striker Amauri and Maxi Lopez of Catania, Chamakh’s name also enters the compiled list of sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.

Fiorentina wants to get Chamakh on loan, and have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Chamakh joined Arsenal on a free transfer in 2010 after his contract with Bordeaux ended.

Arsenal

Therefore, the Belgian player is convinced that the days of success will come back to Arsenal if the current concept is maintained.

“If you can stay together as a team in a long time, then you can grow and become better and better, where you can see it in a few recent weeks and months,” said Vermaelen, according to Arsenal Player.

“If you can do it for the next few years, then everything will be okay.”

“In the world of football today, it’s not easy to unite a team together with the same players for years, but I hope we can do it.”