Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's big match preview

DAVID Platt scored against Blackburn Rovers for Arsenal only last April in a 1-1 Highbury draw which had a dramatic effect on both ends of the Premiership table.

A point for Rovers put them within reach of safety, while another draw spelt the end of the Gunners' lingering title hopes.

But that goal pales into insignificance when compared with the one he grabbed just a month ago to clinch a pulsating 3-2 victory over Manchester United in front of an ecstatic Highbury crowd.

For the former England skipper's spectacular header kept the title race door ajar, and, as Arsenal and Rovers clash once again at Highbury tomorrow, both still maintain more than a passing interest in the championship.

The goal has given Platt's career a new push.

At the start of the season, the midfielder with the flair for scoring crucial goals, seemed to be past his sell-by date.

Management beckoned, with his prospects under Arsene Wenger looking decidedly bleak following an influx of foreign talent.

Southampton were the first to come calling, Japan's flourishing J-League was another option and then there were overtures from Middlesbrough among others.

Yet, at 31, there was surely much more top Premiership football in David Platt.

Subsequent events seem to have proved it to the extent that growing criticism from the stands, when Platt was introduced, seems to be fading. And injuries and suspension gave him the opportunity of a more regular place in the side - one he has grasped gratefully. For no-one will know better than the player when he has finally become a spent force.

"I think people know I aspire to be a manager but I wouldn't say that it's been delayed," he said.

"As far as I am concerned my focus is to perform for Arsenal and be the right component in the team.

"I will never go out on to the field just playing for my own personal glory. Any manager would soon spot that.

"If and when a management offer comes along we'll look at it and evaluate it - see if it's right for me and right for the club.

"But I've had a good number of happy seasons as a player and, hopefully, there's still more to come.

"It's wonderful to be involved still. Before the last few games I'd mostly been on the bench but that's not a problem for me.

"I'm no spring chicken. I'm a realist and I know managers have to look to the future.

"It was the same with England. I could have gone out on my own terms after Euro 96, but that wasn't my way.

"Okay, Glenn Hoddle came in and decided after a couple of games that it was no longer to be for me. I could understand it, although perhaps it would have been nice to have it explained to me.

"But now I'm enjoying things at Arsenal. I'm fit and ready to play a part."

Arsene Wenger may still use Platt sparingly, preferring to put his faith in younger legs, but he is a great admirer of the player's ability. The Arsenal boss said: "I had an agreement with David at the start of the season that if he didn't play very much in the team he could move on.

"I am happy with that, because I didn't want to force a player of his age into a big decision.

"But I think David can still do very well for us on the field. He has played 63 games for England and scored 27 goals - fantastic for a midfield player. It just shows the quality of the player."

It needed an injury to Patrick Vieira to let Platt reclaim a place in Arsenal's starting line-up and, while no longer a prolific scorer, he still weighs in with vital strikes.

Our Carling Opta ratings show that he has perhaps broadened his game more.

Arsenal fans have certainly been more appreciative of his efforts. Many felt he squandered possession too easily in the past but, this season, he enjoys a pass completion rate of 82 per cent, setting up two goals in the process.

And, while he might not get forward quite as much as before, he is working hard to win the ball in midfield with 63 per cent of his 40 tackles having been successful - conceding only 11 fouls in the process.

Rovers received a timely reminder in April that Platt still retains his scoring instincts.

They will need to be aware of the threat again tomorrow.

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