Arsenal gave EPL newcomers Blackpool a footballing lesson in a one-sided contest at the Emirates which could easily have been more embarrassing for the outclassed visitors.

The Tangerines were not helped by the 31^st minute dismissal of defender Ian Evett for a ‘professional’ foul on Marouane Chamakh, which also resulted in a penalty, although the foul was outside the box, and Arsenal’s second goal.

But the pattern of the match was largely unchanged from the 12^th minute when Theo Walcott gave the Gunners the lead after a slick three-man passing move.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher should have equalised immediately but headed wide from six yards. And thereafter, only Blackpool keeper Matthew Gilks’ fine display denied Arsenal double figures.

Andrey Arshavin converted the spot-kick for the Gunners’ second and Walcott added a third before half-time with a lovely turn and right-foot shot from 12 yards.

Abou Diaby half-volleyed Arsenal’s fourth on 49 minutes, from Bacary Sagna’s pinpoint cross.

And Diaby turned provider nine minutes later when Walcott latched onto his sliderule pass, shook off two defenders and completed his first Arsenal hat-trick with a left-foot shot past a stationary Gilks.

The previously profligate Chamakh headed home Arsenal’s sixth from Robin Van Persie’s corner.