Robin van Persie claimed a hat-trick as Arsenal struck seven goals past Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

The Dutchman opened the scoring with just one minute and 22 seconds on the clock. Theo Walcott sent over a cross for an unmarked Van Persie to convert from close range.

The Gunners had numerous chances to extend their lead further, but it was visiting Rovers who scored the game's second goal. Laurent Koscielny brought down Anthony Modeste down just outside the area and Morten Gamst Pedersen stepped up to send the resultant free kick past Wojciech Szczesny.

However, the game changed during the last seven minutes of the half. Walcott again played in Van Persie to make it 2-1, before the skipper turned provider to find Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to extend the home side's lead further.

Rovers ended the half with ten men after Gael Givet was sent off for a two-footed lunge at Van Persie.

Arsenal made their numerical advantage count after the break with quickfire goals from Mikel Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who grabbed his second of the match.

Van Persie completed his trio of goals in the 61st minute when he met Francis Coquelin's cross at the near post. It was Van Persie's second hat-trick of the campaign.

There was still time for Thierry Henry to claim his first Premier League goal since returning from the club, passing the ball into the net having exchanged passes with Van Persie.

The heavy defeat has seen Rovers slip into the relegation zone on goal difference.