Blackburn completed a miserable week for Arsenal as Graeme Souness' side came away from Highbury with a priceless win.

An Edu own goal and Dwight Yorke's opportunistic strike provided Blackburn's goals but it was Brad Friedel's goalkeeping heriocs that ultimately denied Arsenal.

Edu equalised just before half-time but the American goalkeeper then kept out everything Arsenal could throw at him as Blackburn also survived Garry Flitcroft's late dismissal.

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brought on Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp, but even that influential duo were unable to rescue the game.

The defeat was another blow for Wenger, following the loss of their unbeaten records in both the Premiership and the Champions League and Patrick Vieira's two-match ban.

The defeat sees Arsenal fall further behind leaders Liverpool - Wenger's side are now four points adrift.

After those defeats to Everton and Auxerre, Arsenal were again left reeling after just five minutes.

Yorke's cut back appeared to provide no real danger, but Edu stuck out a foot and somehow lobbed his own keeper, who was unable to react in time.

Beaten by Artim Sakiri's corner and by shots of the highest order by Wayne Rooney and Olivier Kapo, Seaman must wonder when his luck is will change.

Just before the interval Edu's fierce dead-ball effort flew through a crowded penalty area and into the far corner of the net off the inside of the upright.