EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR smashed a stunning hat-trick as Arsenal romped past Blackburn.

LORD EMMANUEL ... Adebayor celebrates

Arsene Wenger's side dominated from the first minute to the last at Ewood Park.

Robin Van Persie had opened the scoring on eight minutes after good work by England star Theo Walcott.

On the stroke of half-time Adebayor made it 2-0.

And after looking comfortable during the second half, Adebayor fired twice for Arsenal in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory.

Gunners boss Wenger was delighted with the performance.

The Frenchman said: "We looked dangerous and fluent going forward. It was a well-accomplished victory.

"You can be successful when you express your strengths and we did that today.

"Blackburn are dangerous going forward and I am happy we did not concede any goals.

"It is another big game on Wednesday and in the Champions League it is important to start well.

"We are in a tough group and Kiev are experienced as well as being a strong side at home.

"This victory, however, will give us confidence as we know we will have to put in a similar performance next week."

Blackburn boss Paul Ince described his side's defending as suicidal.

He said: "The goal just before half-time killed us.

"We lost concentration, it was suicidal defending. You cannot give any team a two-goal start, least of all Arsenal.

They are an excellent side. I am glad we do not have to play them every week which is a good thing.

"Even though we are playing well and creating chances, we have got to look at our defensive work."

Arsenal got off to a flying start when Cesc Fabregas was tripped by Keith Andrews.

But Van Persie blazed his 25-yard free kick over the bar.

The Dutchman made up for missing the target in the eighth minute with a stunning goal.

Walcott cut inside and weaved his way past two defenders before picking out Van Persie, who directed the cross past Paul Robinson.

Blackburn hit back and almost equalised two minutes later.

Manuel Almunia was forced into a superb save to tip Roque Santa Cruz's effort over the bar.

Despite the chance, Arsenal remained on top. Walcott was narrowly off target after linking up with Adebayor.

Van Persie came close in the 29th minute but he found the side-netting.

Walcott then found Adebayor on the right and he squared the ball to Fabregas whose shot was blocked by Stephen Warnock.

Blackburn had a bright spell on the half hour though.

First, Almunia denied Emerton in the 33rd minute and five minutes later, Clichy cleared Morten Gamst Pedersen's dangerous inswinging cross.

Kolo Toure was then forced into a last-ditch tackle to deny Santa Cruz at the back post.

Arsenal responded immediately but Van Persie's left-foot attempt was off-target.

And in stoppage time, the Gunners' class told when Adebayor headed home the second.

The Togo ace was left unmarked at the back post and thumped in Denilson's cross.

The Arsenal fans were on their feet two minutes into the second half.

Walcott skipped away from Ryan Nelsen and homed in on goal, stinging Robinson's gloves with his strike.

Arsenal kept up the pressure and Toure found Walcott but his cross was headed wide by Adebayor.

Walcott then saw his shot spin off Nelsen for a corner following a flowing move which split open the defence.

Toure was then left frustrated at failing to score with a header before Eboue's effort from distance was gathered safely by Robinson.

Adebayor grabbed his second after Eboue was fouled in the box.

The big stiker made no mistake from the spot with 10 minutes left.

Sub Aaron Ramsey picked out Adebayor in injury time who the rounded Robinson for his hat-trick.