In spite of Blackpool’s sensational win at Wigan on the opening Premier League weekend, I think all Arsenal fans were expecting a comfortable victory yesterday. We are, after all, talking about a team whose spirit might be good, but whose resources are meagre. Staying in the top flight is a hell of an achievement for such clubs, and even if they do manage it once, second season syndrome usually accounts for them. So although the 6-0 thumping was hugely enjoyable, the margin of victory was not a complete surprise.

One of the reasons Arsenal invariably finish in the top four is that they do, by hook or by crook, beat enough of the teams they are expected to and rack up points. Defeats such as that inflicted by Hull at the Grove a couple of seasons ago are collectors’ items. Sometimes, they make hard work of ‘predictable’ victories, wearing sides down and scoring late into the game, but yesterday it was a relief to see an opening goal early on and the players win at a canter.

Blackpool certainly found out the difference of playing in this league against Arsenal. The pace of the movement of the ball between players often outfoxed them and, were the weather less cloudy, they would have spent their afternoon literally chasing shadows. This allowed Theo Walcott to thrive, score three goals, miss a couple of chances he should really have converted and get into some lethal positions only to misplace the final pass. So there were signs he could fulfil the potential he has promised for so long, and reminders why so many find him a totally frustrating player. The question is whether Theo can push on, or will remain a flat track bully – able to punish lesser sides through weight of opportunities but rarely making the difference against the top teams.

There has never been a debate that his pace worries the hell out of any opponent. The frustration is what happens once he establishes a position where you think – this should lead to a goal. With Theo, it’s like Russian Roulette. Sometimes, it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. The final ball to a team-mate waiting to tap in so often finds an opposition defender instead, and indeed this happened a couple of times v Blackpool. If I were Wenger I would establish drills where all Theo has to do is pick out a team-mate in the area against two defenders. Or have two attackers to find against three opponents. Just work on this side of his game until he picks out his man every time. We have seen it in match situations so many times and so often been frustrated.

I admit, I have lost faith in the player, but I am always prepared to be proved wrong. In truth, given the opposition, I am not ready to start believing yet, but if we see more of the good things Theo did against Blackpool when Arsenal visit Blackburn next weekend, then I could be persuaded there is light at the end of the tunnel. Yet, if Marc Overmars circa 1998 had been playing yesterday, the home team would have reached double figures. Not that I am being churlish, as I was delighted with the 6-0 win. All I am doing here is stating that Theo has not yet arrived. He scored a hat-trick in a game about two seasons ago in Croatia, but failed to build on the excellence of his performance that day. Who then would have guessed he would fail to be part of the England squad for South Africa.

Marouane Chamakh should have had a hat-trick himself, but it was good to see him getting into the positions to miss, if you get my drift. Time will tell if he is a serial misser or just had a bad day at the office (and even then earned a penalty and scored one). He has a definite opportunity to establish a place in the team, because if Wenger will play Nicklas Bendtner wide, I can see him doing the same with Chamakh once Robin van Persie starts matches again. Of course, the new arrival is a natural old-style centre forward but when RVP entered the fray against Blackpool, his first action was to order Chamakh over to the left wing. However with Arsenal’s forward three being fairly fluid anyway, there is nothing to stop both players being fielded and interchanging.

It was enjoyable romp, but a game we can draw few conclusions from. Quite simply, Blackpool are out of their league and the visit there in April will be the hottest away ticket this season. Everyone knows it will be the only chance to see the Gunners play there for a generation. But well done to Arsenal for not making hard work of an easy task. Now back to reality and Blackburn away, a fixture that will tell us a great deal more.