Arsene Wenger's side arrived at Ewood Park still smarting after their bad-tempered League Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

Then just as this fifth round replay appeared to be heading into extra-time, McCarthy produced a superb solo effort to hand Rovers a 1-0 win and a home tie against Manchester City in the quarterfinals.

For the second successive game Rovers manager Mark Hughes named McCarthy among the substitutes after insisting the South African striker was feeling the effects of his first season in England.

But the Cape Town-born forward provided the perfect response to his boss when he collected the ball wide on the left, cut inside Philippe Senderos, and curled a stunning right foot shot beyond Manuel Almunia.

McCarthy's celebrations spoke volumes -- and the result was particularly sweet for Hughes and his players who had been widely criticised for their negative approach when the sides first met at the Emirates Stadium eleven days ago.

Arsenal's wearying cup campaigns have taken their toll in terms of injuries and suspensions and Wenger was forced to make six changes from the youthful line-up that started against Chelsea.

At least the manager could rely on the presence of right-back Emmanuel Eboue who was cleared to play just two hours before kick-off after opting to appeal the charge of violent conduct imposed by the FA in the wake of Sunday's fracas.

It was hardly ideal preparation for a clash that would determine whether the London club maintained its interest in a competition that represents their most realistic chance of silverware this year.

But Wenger's rapidly developing side responded impressively, picking up from where the two sides left off in the first meeting by forcing Blackburn onto the back-foot and dominating the opening period.

Arsenal's trademark passing and movement were far too sharp for Blackburn to handle and with a little more composure in front of goal they would have been in control long before the break.

Brazilian midfielder Julio Baptista was the biggest culprit, twice fluffing good chances from close range after being pressed in a makeshift attacking role.

His first touch abandoned him at the crucial moment when Rovers right-back Brett Emerton totally misjudged Freddie Ljungberg's right-wing cross in the 27th minute.

Then, even more wastefully, the former Real Madrid man headed over when he was allowed to rise unchallenged to meet Denilson's free-kick five minutes later.

While Arsenal had only themselves to blame for failing to break the deadlock, Wenger and his players were furious not to receive more assistance from referee Graham Poll when Ljungberg went tumbling under the challenge of Emerton.

The visitors were convinced it was a penalty but Poll, perhaps mindful of Jeremie Aliadiere's theatrical tumble a few minutes earlier, ignored the appeals.

The second half followed a similar pattern although Blackburn did at last pose an attacking threat without ever truly threatening Almunia's goal.

All that changed three minutes from time when McCarthy struck to claim his 16th goal of the season and send Blackburn into the last eight of the competition.