Classy Arsenal illustrate strength of the collective

Blackburn 0 Arsenal 4: FEW TEAMS derive greater pleasure from debunking football's favoured theories than Arsenal.

Selfishness has long been regarded as an integral part of a striker's make-up. Rather than conforming to Gordon Gekko's theory that greed is good, however, the Arsenal forwards prefer to reveal their caring, sharing side.

Given the opportunity to score from the penalty spot after Stephen Warnock upended Emmanuel Eboue, Robin van Persie reasoned Emmanuel Adebayor's need was greater.

"That is very good for team spirit," said Arsene Wenger. "The number one penalty-taker is Van Persie and number two is Adebayor, but they have the right to reverse it. This decision is down to Van Persie. I like the fact that Van Persie gave him the penalty."

Adebayor's hat-trick included goals in added time in either half. The second was a footnote, but the first was fantastic. Eluding Ryan Nelsen, he met Denilson's cross to plant a header past Paul Robinson.

It was the culmination of 70 seconds of uninterrupted possession which involved every outfield player. "I believe the team plays well because there is a collective spirit," added Wenger.

This was eloquent proof. Arsenal's pride in the communal is at odds with the individualistic culture in vogue at the moment. Accusations of utopianism over their brand of football have dogged them; this, however, was closer to socialism as they hoisted their red flag high over Ewood Park.

While the nouveaux riches talk of parting Wenger from his most coveted players, they illustrated the strength of the collective. None of the 27 passes, played with deceptive simplicity, that preceded Adebayor's header may have caught a passing billionaire's eye, yet the combination was devastating.

For others, passing is a process. For Arsenal, it is a pleasure, and one in which each player indulged. Replacement Aaron Ramsey provided the deft, reverse ball for Adebayor to complete a third hat-trick in a year.

Yet the most incisive piece of distribution arrived much earlier, and courtesy of another teenager. In the eighth minute, Theo Walcott's dextrous footwork and trademark acceleration enabled him to avoid three would-be tacklers. A wonderfully weighted ball found Van Persie, who supplied a finish of casual, almost disdainful, ease with the outside of his left foot.

"It's been a very good week for me," said the 19-year-old. "Sometimes it can be quite difficult to come back to your club after an international week. My goal is to cement a place here because there are so many world-class players it's difficult."

Had Samir Nasri been fit, Walcott's place might have been on the bench. Wenger cited his speed as a reason for the winger's inclusion and Arsenal's prowess on the counter-attack, which could have yielded more goals, was a consequence. Nevertheless, Walcott was not the youngest Englishman on show.

At 16 years and 256 days, Jack Wilshere became the club's youngest player in league football.

"You don't trust me enough," said Wenger, revelling in his new role as the guardian of the future of the English game. "I bring them on, these English players."

There was further evidence of his gift for development as Denilson provided a series of perceptive passes. A glimpse at a strapping Blackburn side prompted the question of whether a slight midfield, featuring twin playmakers in Cesc Fabregas and the 20-year-old Brazilian, possessed the necessary muscle.

Such issues were irrelevant when Rovers were unable to regain possession. Their usual plan against Arsenal entailed tackling and shackling; instead they contributed to an open game. Blackburn fashioned, and spurned, a succession of first-half chances, but eight goals conceded in two games means their approach may require a rethink.

The captain, Nelsen, said: "Cavalier is a good word to describe it. It's probably my fault and I should get my hands on the reins a bit more."

That should be a task for his manager, assuming the achievement of guiding Rovers into the relegation zone does not merit a move to Newcastle for Paul Ince.

"We've got to make sure we get things from Fulham and Bolton and the teams around us," said Ince.

While he downgrades expectations, Arsenal, given their penchant for the unorthodox, prefer to confound them.

• Guardian Service