ARSENAL returned to domestic competition with a bump as Blackburn leapfrogged them into fifth place in the table after picking up the three points at Ewood Park. The visitors looked a different side from the heroic team that beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Although they started brightly enough and seemed to be finding their passing game, the final ball almost always deserted them - and Blackburn made them pay with a breakaway goal completely against the run of play.

In the 18th minute Craig Bellamy chased a hopeful ball down the right touchline and out-muscled Philippe Senderos to get to the byline and cut it back for the onrushing Morten Gamst Pedersen to side-foot home.

However, it was Pedersen's last action as he strained his hamstring and he was replaced by Sergio Peter.

Boosted by the goal Blackburn pressed their opponents hard and, by winning the physical battle, they ended the half on a high.

Wenger replaced Jose Reyes with Robert Pires at the start of the second half and within seconds he had picked out Thierry Henry on the penalty spot but, for once, the France striker could not turn his man. Indeed, it was Blackburn who had the better of the second half also although Arsenal raised their tempo towards the end of the match as they went in desperate search of an equaliser.

It wasn't enough, however, and Blackburn held out for the three points that moves them into a UEFA Cup qualifying spot.