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By Jonathan Stevenson
1805: On the day that Christopher Samba divided the nation, it's time to get on with the rest of our lives. Thanks for your company - and for the 1000th time in a row, I'm sorry about my lack of goals. I will urgently try to rectify my shortfall. 606 is on BBC Radio 5 Live right now, MOTD 2 is on BBC Two and online at 2230 BST and Fletch is back in the hotseat tomorrow. Have a cracking evening.
From BurscoughBoy on 606: "Just two goals per game Stevo. That average is slowly slipping down even further." Join the debate on 606
I might have to retire at this rate...
From Gaz, Blades fan, via text on 81111: "See Rob's comment: I think you need to give Big Sam a chance, he is doing his best to keep you up with a team that isn't his. Let him get sorted over the summer and see what he can do then."
1756: Burton are losing at Torquay, but Cambridge have been held to a draw by Altrincham so Burton are the champions of the Blue Square Premier and they will play in the Football League next season. Congratulations to them.
1754: Full-time Blackburn 2-0 Wigan They probably deserved that win, but it wasn't pretty - does it matter at this stage of the season? Blackburn have taken a massive step towards safety - and piled even more pressure on Newcastle when they face Portsmouth tomorrow.
1753: Wigan nearly score twice from a corner, but Keith Andrews twice clears off the line, first from Titus Bramble and then from Olivier Kapo.
1752: Emmerson Boyce heads a Wigan corner wide. Tell you what, Paul Robinson has played a very important part in today's win for Blackburn. He still wouldn't be in my England squad, though.
1750: Amr Zaki does well to jink past a couple of challenges and he tees up Daniel de Ridder, who cuts inside from the right and fires a left-foot shot that Paul Robinson parries away.
1750: We're into injury time. The officials must be loving it, because we've got four more minutes.
1748: It's drifting towards it's inevitable conclusion, this game. Two minutes left plus stoppages.
From Rob, Manchester, via text on 81111: "Alright Jonathan? Blackburn fan here. Never have I seen a worse win in my life. I know it's three points but I am just embarrassed that my club has gone as low as playing anti-football. If we stay up, Big Sam out."
1743: Wigan play keep-ball around the Blackburn box again and it falls to Antonio Valencia 25 yards out to hammer a useless shot way, way over the crossbar. "We are staying up" echoes out from the Ewood Park stands.
1741: South African striker Benni McCarthy promptly spoons it over the crossbar and is taken off, with Carlos Villanueva coming on in his place.
1739: Morten Gamst Pedersen is hauled down 25 yards out by Emmerson Boyce. Good chance for Blackburn to wrap this up, if they haven't already.
1737: Blackburn bring Keith Andrews on for Australian Vince Grella.
1737: Hugo Rodallega heads wide and Wigan make two changes with about 15 minutes left, Olivier Kapo and Daniel de Ridder coming on for Ben Watson and Maynor Figueroa.
From Andrew, Northumberland, via text on 81111: "Why are Blackburn fans singing cheer up Alan Shearer? Its not like he was their best ever player or anything..."
1734: Lovely stuff from Wigan as they knock the ball around on the edge of the Blackburn box and Hugo Rodallega turns on the turbo to speed past his defender on the outside, hitting a decent left-foot shot towards the far corner that Paul Robinson does well once more to save.
1732: Morten Gamst Pedersen launches another missile throw from the right and Chris Samba nods it tamely down for Chris Kirkland to save.
1731: Seems like there's a bit of a party atmosphere at Ewood Park at the moment. Is this the day Blackburn seal their place in next season's Premier League?
From rique07 on 606: "How old is Tugay? He looks like he's in his late 60s." Join the debate on 606
Wow that's harsh. He's 38, the Turkish legend.
1725: Paul Robinson makes two sensational saves, one with his legs from Emmerson Boyce and the next with his right hand from Antonio Valencia, before another dangerous header is cleared off the Blackburn line by David Dunn. Blackburn celebrate surviving that siege like they've just scored, and well they might.
1724: Antonio Valencia, surrounded by three Blackburn players, whips over a brilliant cross from the right and Charles N'Zogbia's header is flicked over by Paul Robinson. Should have scored.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Robbie Savage: "He's the best player I've ever played with, Tugay, and he deserved that standing ovation from the supporters."
1723: With over an hour gone, the grey-haired veteran Tugay is taken off by Blackburn and David Dunn comes on in his place.
1722: Paul Robinson comes and catches a corner confidently and the Blackburn fans are buoyant right now.
1720: GOAL Blackburn 2-0 Wigan Now there's something you don't see very often. Actually, it's never happened before. Benni McCarthy whips over a fabulous free-kick from the left and Ryan Nelsen, the Rovers captain, gets across the keeper and glances a header past Chris Kirkland and into the net. That is Nelsen's first Blackburn goal.
Nik, via text on 81111: "Can we abandon this game, give the teams a draw and Samba man of the match and concentrate on Norwich v Reading tomorrow, way, way more important! Come on Coppell, it's not as if you need the points." Preview: Norwich v Reading
1716: Ben Watson is on the right-hand side of the Rovers penalty area and he drills a low shot goalwards that Paul Robinson saves well with his legs. Moments later, Amr Zaki turns and shoots wide with his back to goal.
1714: Chris Kirkland just cannot compete with the giant Chris Samba. Andre Ooijer crosses from the right and Kirkland cannot get there again, the ball appearing to hit the back of Samba's head before looping a couple of yards wide.
1713: The attendance at Ewood Park today is 25,019. That's quite good, isn't it?
1711: Wigan have started a bit brighter, though they couldn't have got much worse. Charles N'Zobgia goes on another strong run forward, but his final pass is too heavy for Hugo Rodallega.
1709: By the way, Benni McCarthy's strike was Blackburn's first first-half goal since they beat Hull on 1 March. What a stat that is for you.
1707: Chris Samba pulls away from his marker, dropping a little deeper, collects the ball with back to goal, and tries to slide a pass in for El-Hadji Diouf to run through, but just underhits it. Maybe I am obsessed.
1705: We're back under way at Ewood Park. Just watch the goals as they fly in from every conceivable angle. Wigan hitman Amr Zaki, a story in his own right, is on for countryman Mido at half-time.
From Jinadine on 606: "Stevo, admit it. You're slightly distracted (& concerned) by tomorrow night's game between Norwich and Reading." Join the debate on 606
True story. It's pretty much all I can think about. We could actually be safe in 29 hours.
Tommy, behind the dugouts at Ewood, via text on 81111: "Just heard Steve Bruce say very loudly 'we should've taken Arsenal's money when we had the chance' as Blackburn scored. Chris Kirkland maybe?"
1655:Danny the Stat tells it like it is: "Danny didn't really rate that half of football. But users of Player Rater did rate Christopher Samba to a seven-breaking score of 7.22. Benni McCarthy's behind on 6.75. Perhaps you'd like to use the gift of getting involved to change that?" Rate the players
BBC Radio 5 Live's Robbie Savage: "Chris Samba has caused Wigan problems all half and it was he who put Chris Kirkland under pressure for the goal just by his presence."
1649: Half-time Blackburn 1-0 Wigan That goal is a massive relief to Rovers, who started the half far better than they ended it. Wigan have offered very little and they might need to turn to their bench if they want to get back into it.
1647: GOAL Blackburn 1-0 Wigan Rubbish goalkeeping. Morten Gamst Pedersen swings over the corner from the Blackburn right, Chris Kirkland tries to punch right-handed and misses it, Benni McCarthy getting up to head into the Latics net. It's a goal.
1646: Tugay's shot from 25 yards is deflected wide and Blackburn have a corner right at the end of the half.
1646: We're into the last minute of the first half.
From Andrew, Birmingham via text on 81111: "Samba up front. Is this really Premier League football? Sam, you should be ashamed of yourself."
1641: Charles N'Zogbia's cross from the right is headed goalwards by Maynor Figueroa, but Morten Gamst Pedersen is positioned well and the ball deflects over the Blackburn bar. I can't wait for the Champions League.
1639: Mido is struggling after a decent attempt at hurdling Stephen Warnock's challenge down the Wigan right. He'll be OK though - he's a bit of a unit himself, the Egyptian. I wish something would happen...
From John Smith at Ewood, via text on 81111: "Chris Samba is not a natural striker, it has to be said."
1633: I won't lie to you, it's gone a little off the boil, this one. I take full responsibility, because let's face it, it can only be my fault.
1630: Anyone at Ewood? Get texting if you are, 81111's the magic number. Any chat'll do (almost).
1629: Golden chance. Antonio Valencia's cross from the right is expertly cushioned into the path of Ben Watson by Hugo Rodallega, but the midfielder's shot from 16 yards flies over the bar. Should have hit the target.
1627: Charles N'Zogbia goes on a forceful run from inside his own half and Blackburn's defenders back off and back off, allowing him to shoot a few yards wide from just inside the Rovers box.
1626: A long throw from the Blackburn left is ludicrously allowed to bounce and El-Hadji Diouf half heads it goalwards. Lee Cattermole is in a great place to control the ball, remarkably casually, right on the goalline, before clearing as he falls over. Coolness personified.
1624: Lee Cattermole is penalised for an over-zealous challenge on Tugay in the middle of the midfield. He's always borderline isn't he, Cattermole?
1623: At the risk of underlining BoingJBoing's point, Chris Samba gets on the end of a Stephen Warnock cross from the left, but can only head into the ground and into the arms of Chris Kirkland.
From BoingJBoing on 606: "I think Stevo's got a thing for Chris Samba, seven updates in a row have featured his name!" Join the debate on 606
Haha. He's in the game, that's for sure. Meanwhile, Burton have already been pegged back. Maybe I went too soon.
1619: The fans are well up for this at Ewood Park, and Rovers have started superbly. Wigan can hardly get out of their own half right now.
1618: Huge news from the Blue Square Premier, with Burton leading 1-0 at Torquay. Remember - if they lose by two and Cambridge win by three goals, then Cambridge can win the title at the Brewers' expense. But that's unlikely now. Live scores - Blue Square Premier
1616: Titus Bramble appears to be all over Chris Samba as another cross is flung into the Wigan box, but nothing doing from ref Peter Walton.
1614: Morten Gamst Pedersen crashes a left-foot cross/shot wildly from the left and it fairly flies across the edge of the Wigan six-yard box, but Chris Samba just cannot quite stretch his right foot out enough to poke it goalwards.
1613: Morten Gamst Pedersen swings over a cross from about 35 yards out and Chris Samba tries to turn it goalwards, only for Titus Bramble to deflect it behind for a corner. From the corner, Benni McCarthy's header is saved by Chris Kirkland.
1611: Chris Samba tries to hook down Vince Grella's ball into the Wigan area and El-Hadji Diouf tries to find Samba when it comes to him on the right of the six-yard box, but Wigan eventually clear. It's mostly all Rovers right now.
1610: There's a sign of things to come - Morten Gamst Pedersen launches the biggest up and under I've seen for a while, trying to search out Chris Samba on the edge of the Wigan area. There'll be some neck ache in Lancashire this evening.
1608: Paul Scharner has handled Chris Samba's aerial threat quite superbly so far. It's not easy, winning headers against that unit.
From LVBRFC on 606: "I could honestly understand Samba playing upfront if we had a player like Bentley still who could cross a ball and put it on his head, but we don't!" Join the debate on 606
1604: My word Luis Antonio Valencia is a talent. He ghosts past his man down the right and lashes in a rocket shot from an angle 18 yards out that slaps against the underside of the bar and down the wrong side of the line from a Wigan viewpoint. Electric start.
1604: Lively start, and El-Hadji Diouf's cross from the right is just a fraction too high for the stretching Benni McCarthy in the Wigan box.
1602: It's even sunny in Blackburn today. Referee Peter Walton whistles us under way.
1558: The teams, led by Ryan Nelsen and Lee Cattermole, are out at Ewood Park. Soon, I'd have thought we'll be under way. Very soon.
From Anon, via text on 81111: "Is Zaki still statistically the best striker in the world?"
Somehow, you'd have to say that's unlikely.
1555: I'm stunned that Christopher Samba, perhaps the Premier League's biggest unit, is playing up front again. I mean, clearly he's going to have a stormer now, but he's useless up top. Cracking defender, though.
From joel_smith on 606: "Six-pointer, this match, as Wigan look to keep up the pressure for the Uefa Europa League and Blackburn look for safety - I fancy Wigan to edge it though." Join the debate on 606
Wigan manager Steve Bruce: "Our two recent defeats were not acceptable and we're not mathematically safe, so there's a lot to play for. They've put Chris Samba up front again and he's going to be a big threat up there for Blackburn."
1547: Blackburn need to improve their home form - it's one of the reasons they're still in trouble. Only Hull have picked up fewer points in front of their own fans this season in the Premier League. But Wigan have won only two of their last 12 games, so they aren't exactly hot themselves.
1545: Interesting to see Egyptian striker Amr Zaki back on the bench for Wigan. After labelling him "the most unprofessional footballer I've ever worked with" 24 days ago, Latic boss Steve Bruce's attitude has softened - slightly: "I have always said we might see the return of Zaki to his best when the sun shines and the daffodils come out," said Bruce this week. Zaki hasn't scored in open play since October. He's due.
1542: A win for Blackburn this afternoon would now see them go six points above the relegation zone - and they couldn't have picked better opponents on the face of it, as Wigan have never won a game of football at Ewood Park (they've only played five, in fairness).
From Will, via text on 81111: "Wenger's decision to play the likes of Fabregas and Walcott from the start now looks a good one. They've been injured for most of the season and so have plenty in the tank; and this was a walk in the park."
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce: "We've looked at the scores this weekend and the other clubs have failed to get the sort of results they needed to improve their position, so it's up to us to capitalise on that now."
1534: Danny the Stat has the final word on the first game of the day: "Three points comfortably gained for the Gunners. And classy European duo Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas can also take some comfort in their scores on the Player Rater, which I have already dubbed as "very high". At the moment, Arshavin is a tad ahead, scoring 8.71 to the Spaniard's 8.61. Elsewhere, good scores for the Gunners and average for the Boro. Don't like? Get involved, you." Rate the players
1531: Blackburn replace Keith Andrews and Aaron Mokoena with Tugay and Vince Grella. Andrews drops to the bench while Mokoena does not make the 18-man squad. Wigan striker Amr Zaki is on the bench, with Hugo Rodallega starting up front alongside Mido. Lee Cattermole takes the captain's armband from Mario Melchiot, who is left out of the Steve Bruce's squad, and Charles N'Zogbia returns too.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Claridge: "Arsenal went with a strong, well-balanced side and they were far too strong for Middlesbrough. Boro will have far better chances to get the points they need, but it was a great build-up for the Gunners for the game against Manchester United in midweek."
1523: Full-time Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough Premier League wins don't get a whole lot more comfortable than that. Arsenal never really got out of second gear, and they are now unbeaten in 20 league games, a terrific run. Boro are still three points adrift of safety.
1523: Abou Diaby drifts inbetween two poor challenges and smashes a shot into the side-netting.
1521: We're into injury time now at the Emirates, and there will be two extra minutes.
1519: Abou Diaby tees up Emmanuel Adebayor in the Boro box and he's only got to get past Matthew Bates to get a shot in, but Bates does well and his tackle is perfectly timed.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Claridge: "It's been nothing more than a reasonable training session for Arsenal, stretching their legs before the game in midweek, a good workout for them."
1517: With four minutes of normal time remaining, Middlesbrough bring on striker Marvin Emnes for ex-Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere.
1514: Boro aren't going to go for this, no way. We've got about seven minutes left plus stoppages and Arsenal aren't even breaking sweat.
From James, bored at work, via text on 81111: "I am a United fan from Manchester and I have to say I am delighted that one diminutive Russian will not be playing on Wednesday."
1510: That Andrey Arshavin, he can't shoot for toffee. Another air shot makes the Russian look a tad silly, before Nicklas Bendtner lashes in an effort from the right that Brad Jones is once again equal to.
TheColourful-_-ARAB on 606: "Arsenal with the team they have all fit and well, will win the league next season. No doubt. Arshavin best player in the world." Join the debate on 606
Haha. I thought I was the one prone to hyperbole?
1507: Andrey Arshavin starts another brilliant move with a fabulous 60-yard pass out to the left to Emmanuel Adebayor and he finds Abou Diaby, who in turn tees up Arshavin who has bust a gut to get to the edge of the box - only for the Russian to drive haplessly wide towards the corner flag.
1505: Brad Jones does well to parry Nicklas Bendtner's fierce drive from the right and from the rebound, Emmanuel Adebayor can only see the ball trickle off his shin and back towards a grateful Jones.
1504: Didier Digard comes on for Tony McMahon for Middlesbrough.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Claridge: "Boro have got to think about that goal difference, because they don't want it getting any worse than it is right now. You wouldn't be surprised to see Arsenal score again, the way they're playing today."
1502: Arsenal are starting to toy with Boro and Andrey Arshavin pulls the ball back from the byeline to Samir Nasri, who sees Brad Jones pull off a good low save from his right-foot drive.
1500: Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Adebayor come on for Cesc Fabregas, who gets a standing ovation, and Theo Walcott.
1458: GOAL Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough Probably game over now, isn't it? Emmanuel Eboue plays a great pass to Cesc Fabregas, played onside by a Boro defender, and he coolly rounds Brad Jones before rolling into an empty net from 18 yards.
1456: Kieran Gibbs finds Cesc Fabregas 20 yards out, but the skipper doesn't get hold of his shot and Brad Jones saves easily low down to his right.
1454: Adam Johnson fastens on to a pass on the inside right channel but hits a tame shot that's going wide anyway and Manuel Almunia has got time to thrown his Spanish cap on it.
From Tom (again) (stuck in) Essex, via text on 81111: "I'm not only United, but one of those rare fans born and bred in the north who actually knows where Old Trafford is."
Haha. That'll answer the doubters, and there were lots of them.
1452: Marlon King gets a rest on his 29th birthday and one-time Real Madrid target (apparently) Adam Johnson comes on in his place.
1451: Stewart Downing clips the ball into the path of Marlon King, who is just inside the Arsenal box out on the left, and the birthday boy's volley flies into the arms of Manuel Almunia.
1448: Lots of you are impressed with Kieran Gibbs, and I'd have to say I'm in agreement - he looks like a fabulous prospect and he's dealing very comfortably with Stewart Downing, who has drifted out to the Boro right, at the moment.
1447: Andrey Arshavin jinks his way into the Boro box, but the massive frame of David Wheater is able to clear the danger.
From skywardglances on 606: "I'm not enjoying all this Arsenal love from United fans. Brazil play sexy football too, but I don't start hoping they make finals instead of England! Sheesh." Join the debate on 606
1442: Emmanuel Eboue gets in down the right and pulls it back for Theo Walcott, who forces a good low save from Brad Jones with his first-time shot from 10 yards.
1441: Boro won't get a better chance. A long pass from the visitors' defence falls for Jeremie Aliadiere, who looks a fraction offside, but he's allowed to play on and his shot is saved by Manuel Almunia. One-on-one, should score.
1439: Nicklas Bendtner races into the Boro box and his cross from the right is blocked for an Arsenal corner.
1437: Arsenal break quickly again but Andrey Arshavin takes a little too long to decide what to do and then Cesc Fabregas's shot is deflected behind.
1436: So are Boro gonna have a go, or will they shut up shop and maybe throw more men forward in the last 10? We're about to find out. Johan Djourou comes on for Mikael Silvestre and we're back under way.
From Tom, Essex, via text on 81111: "Strange coming from a United fan, but I would love to see an Arsenal v Barca final for three reasons - it'd be a great game, I'd love to see how Fabregas would play and there would be no Chelsea to bore everyone."
From abrighterview on 606: "Stevo, have you ever tried not exaggerating all the time? I can't even read your text updates, they just make me too angry." Join the debate on 606
That's the worst 606 message I've ever seen in all my li- hang on, what was your point?
1425:Danny the Stat, oh how I've missed your perfectly-pitched prose: "European Player Rater fans will recall the Euro Two Thousand and Great football tournament last summer. They'll remember a young Russian who got Rater marks so high, he almost broke it. And, he's at it again. Andrey Arshavin has a mark of 8.47 which can only be described as "rock, rock, rocking". Or "excellent". Whichever you prefer. Anyway, get involved." Rate the players
BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Claridge: "It's difficult with the pace and tempo of this game to see Boro getting back into it. They might have to throw caution to the wind and go for it but then they risk losing 2-0, 3-0 or worse - and they have to consider goal difference in their position."
1419: Half-time Arsenal 1-0 Middlesbrough This game could be all over already, but while Boro are only one goal behind, they will fancy their chances of nicking something from the Emirates. Though some of Arsenal's football has been terrific.
1416: Boro's best moment - Jeremie Aliadiere's cross from the right is poorly cleared by Kolo Toure straight to Stewart Downing, who takes a touch and smashes in a left-footer from 22 yards that Manuel Almunia gets down well to save.
1413: Five minutes to go until half-time - Boro are a little lucky to still be in this.
1411: Andrey Arshavin plays the ball to the edge of the Boro box from the left and Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott both fancy a shot and end up getting in each other's way.
From 50in50 on 606: "United fan with all the respect in the world for Arsenal. They play beautiful football, probably the best in the world, and now they have their discipline more or less under control, you can't have much against them. We've had some great matches with the Gunners in the past, and I can't wait for the CL semis." Join the debate on 606
1407: Middlesbrough are up against it now, as if they need me to tell them that. Arsenal haven't conceded a goal at home in the league since December 21, when Robbie Keane scored for Liverpool. That's 11 hours and 52 minutes ago, in football terms.
1406: Samir Nasri plays Theo Walcott in down the right, but he drills it across the face of the Boro goal and wide.
1403: Small claims for a Boro penalty as Nicklas Bendtner tries to get a corner clear, but it's probably hit the chest of the Dane more than anything.
1402: Stewart Downing plays an Arsenal-esque one-two with Jeremie Aliadiere but the England winger's pull-back is cleared by Samir Nasri.
From Ollie, via text on 81111: "Collectively, Middlesbrough's starting line-up today have only managed six away goals all season."
1400: Would need to see another replay, but there's a chance Nicklas Bendtner should have been flagged offside - when Cesc Fabregas hit his shot, Bendtner was just in front of Brad Jones and left the keeper unsighted. Still a cracking goal, though.
1358: GOAL Arsenal 1-0 Middlesbrough You will not see a better goal anywhere in the world this weekend - that was brilliant. Some stunning build-up play on halfway between Cesc Fabregas, Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner sees the Russian through down the left, and he gets into the box and pulls the ball back to the edge of the area for Fabregas to crash it into the far corner. Glorious.
1357: Cesc Fabregas is shaping to shoot on the edge of the Boro box and Gary O'Neil gets in a fabulous tackle, winning the ball. Fabregas goes down like he's been shot, Tuncay eventually kicks it out and then the Gunners captain gets straight back up.
1356: Boro get into a good position as Stewart Downing plays birthday boy Marlon King, 29 today, in down the left, but King's cross is way over-hit and the danger is over for Arsenal.
1354: It's an odd start, this. Boro have probably had as much possession, but Arsenal are almost hitting them on the break with Arshavin and Walcott ready to go as soon as they win back the ball.
From zakattack1888 on 606: "Fabregas is Arsenal's backbone - without him you might as give the final place to Man Utd." Join the debate on 606
1348: Nicklas Bendtner shows some lovely close control and a great touch down on the Arsenal right and the ball ends up with Andrey Arshavin on the edge of the Boro box - he twists and turns his way into the area, but delays for way too long and his shot is blocked.
1346: Nicklas Bendtner and Cesc Fabregas play 'eye of the needle' in the Boro box and the skipper tees up Kieran Gibbs, but he is falling over and cannot quite get his shot in from six yards. Ominous signs for the visitors.
1346: Andrey Arshavin plays a wonderful 50-yard pass through to Theo Walcott, but Brad Jones races off his line to clear the danger, good stuff all round.
1345: Fabregas is trying to run off his ankle injury - if he had any worries about it, surely he'd take himself off.
1343: Not what Arsenal need - Cesc Fabregas wins the ball from Stewart Downing and Downing catches the Spaniard's ankle with his lunging attempt to get it back. The Gunners captain needs a bit of treatment, but he should be OK.
BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Claridge: "Already twice Arsenal have got in behind Middlesbrough without even breaking sweat."
1341: Cesc Fabregas plays a cracking slide-rule pass into the path of Theo Walcott, splitting two Boro defenders, but Walcott takes his time to try and send over a cross or shoot and Robert Huth gets in a timely block for the visitors.
1339: It's been a fairly quiet start at Arsenal. No sign of that goal glut I'm due just yet, then...
1337: All eyes on four-goal Andrey Arshavin at the Emirates today, the Russian seems to be playing in a roving role, starting from the left. He gets dumped to the floor by Tony McMahon one minute before chasing on to a pass the next and crossing just ahead of Nicklas Bendtner.
From U8578980 on 606: "Six of Middlesborough's 11 came from their academy - that is immense. Please keep them in the Premier League Southgate, you know you can." Join the debate on 606
1333: Nicklas Bendtner and Cesc Fabregas get us under way at Arsenal.
1329: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is all smiles as he makes his way to his seat at the Emirates, and the two teams are out as we prepare to get under way.
From Kim via text on 81111: "Wenger's selection of Toure, Fabregas, Nasri and Walcott is baffling with the Manchester United Champions League clash on the horizon."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We are playing our normal team - we rotate a little bit, but not much. We're not thinking about the Champions League at all, we want to win today and that's always the most important thing, then we will focus on midweek. We've got plenty of time to recover."
1322: However, the Smoggies' (can I call them that?) recent record against Arsenal isn't as bad as you might expect. Since the 7-0 thrashing at Highbury in January 2006 (bear with me), they are unbeaten in five games against the Gunners - a record no other team can currently surpass. Though four of those contests did end up 1-1.
1319: I know what question you've been asking yourself all morning: Do Middlesbrough have a cat in hell's chance of winning at Arsenal? Well, the odds are stacked against them - but since when did that ever matter in this crazy season? Boro have lost their last nine away league games, and defeat today would equal their club record, set from December 1910 to September 1911.
1315: If you like seeing cars race around a track really really fast, then I suggest you head on over to our live coverage of the Bahrain Grand Prix - you've probably even heard of the text commentator. But don't forget about little old me, I'm not going anywhere (don't sigh). Live - Bahrain Grand Prix
From Ralph Cobbler, via text on 81111: "Arshavin to score five? "
1310: Later this afternoon, it'll get lively in the north-west as Blackburn, who by then might just be only out of the drop zone on goal difference, host Wigan at Ewood Park - a place the visitors have never ever ever won at. Trust me, there's an awful lot at stake.
1307: If you could find time to get involved today (though try to keep it shorter than 1303), that'd be proper sweet. Though here's an early doors plea - if you're texting to 81111, please put FOOTBALL before the text, so I can differentiate between the Marathon/F1 missives. 606 is up and running too, quite obviously. Join the debate on 606
1303: This is the longest message I've ever published, but I think it's worth it. I belong to Nasri on 606, fair play to you my son, for the quite extraordinary lengths you have gone to:
"In order to see if Stevo's tag of 'The Goal Repeller' was a correct one, I did a little research into the goals per game ratio for all the BBC's live text writers over the last month.
"Stevo has taken charge of a combined number of 31 Premier League and Champions League games between 21 March and 25 April. During his games in charge 70 goals have been scored, so this works out at 2.258 goals per game.
"During the same time period, Cheese has taken charge of 17 games. In this time 68 goals have been scored in both competitions, working out at an average of four goals per game.
"Paul Fletcher has taken charge of seven Prem games, in which 21 goals were scored, so an average of three goals per game.
"It seems, Stevo, your tag of Jonathan 'The Goal Repeller' Stevenson is valid.
1300:Stevo's Predos (so sue me): Arsenal 3-1 Middlesbrough Blackburn 2-1 Wigan Lawro's predictions
1256: Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia returns after an ankle injury, while Emmanuel Eboue replaces Bacary Sagna at right-back. Theo Walcott also starts as Alexandre Song makes way. Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate drops striker Afonso Alves to the bench and brings in midfielder Gary O'Neil.
1251: What exactly is on the menu this Sunday lunchtime, then? Well, we start off at a sun-drenched Emirates Stadium as Arsenal, who have got fourth place written all over them, entertain a Middlesbrough side whose need, let's face it, is much greater than their opponents. Win, and Boro climb out of the drop zone, incredibly at Hull's expense.
1248: So, what can we expect today? A four-goal salvo? The start of an heroic escape from relegation? A fiery Lancashire hotpot? All/none of the above? Tell you what, I wouldn't mind shaking off this troublesome 'Goal Repeller' tag. That'd be a start.
1245: Yeah, you went out last night, ended up spending £60 when you really thought £30 would do for a few beers and a kebab on the way home. Isn't that an annoying feeling to wake up with on a Sunday morning?
Still, it could be worse. According to The Sunday Times Rich List, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is £4.7bn poorer than he was this time last year. No kebab for him last night, I'd imagine. UK super-rich 'hit in downturn'
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