Blackpool v Arsenal - in pictures

Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who was picked to start against Blackpool, sits on the bench shortly before kick-off after straining his thigh in the warm-up Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Which means, of course, that 41-year-old Jens Lehnmann is called into action for the first time since returning to the club as emergency cover Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The two managers, Arsène Wenger and Ian Holloway, greet one another before kick-off. Both managers desperately need three points today - victory for Arsenal would put them seven points behind Manchester United with a game in hand, while victory for Blackpool would lift them four points clear of the drop zone Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Laurent Koscielny puts his head in the firing line as Keith Southern tries to control the ball Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Lehmann has a pop at his defence as Blackpool control the opening stages Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

But Abou Diaby gives Arsenal the lead with a simple tap-in in the 18th minute Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Diaby started and finished the move - his initial turn and pass from defence led to Robin van Persie's possession on the left flank, and the Dutchman's low cross was expertly weighted to ensure Diaby couldn't miss Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Emmanuel Eboue soon puts Arsenal 2-0 up as Blackpool's defence go awol Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

That's 2-0, but how Arsenal fail to make it four or five before half-time is a mystery to both sides Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Arsenal sub Kieran Gibbs doesn't look overly amused at half-time as the sprinklers swing in his direction Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Blackpool look more organised in the second half and when DJ Campbell bursts into the box, Lehmann brings him down ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The ball runs to the feet of Gary Taylor-Fletcher, who rounds Campbell and slots it into the net. The referee decides not to punish Lehmann for his challenge, which would have brought a penalty and a red card had Taylor-Fletcher not been on hand Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The home fans urge their side on Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Southern has another glorious chance to score for Blackpool, but he fails to land his head on a decent right-wing delivery Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Southern can't believe it. He's got no excuse for that miss Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

A third-goal for Arsenal scored by Robin Van-Persie puts Arsenal in command, before Lehmann denies DJ Campbell Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The final whistle blows and Arsenal are victorious. Lehmann, who could so easily have been dismissed, celebrates with Gaël Clichy Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian