Arsenal maintained their momentum and closed the gap on the top of the Premier League by winning against Bolton 2-0 yesterday. Captain Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida scored for Arsenal at the Reebok, giving them the advantage ahead of the return match at the Emirates on January 20. It wasn’t easy for Arsenal though, as they were under pressure for sustained period from a Bolton side that was playing for the first time under new manager Owen Coyle. The Trotters went after the Arsenal players, particularly Fabregas, and there were some particularly harsh challenges thrown in. Without the likes of Alex Song, Denilson, Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey, Arsene Wenger gave Craig Eastmond his debut, asking him to play the ‘Alex Song role.’ Tomas Rosicky also started, while Gael Clichy was back in the squad for the first time since October 31. It took some time for Arsenal to find their rhythm and Bolton had the better of the opening exchanges. Within 45 seconds of the start of the match, Chung-Young Lee and Fabrice Muamba set up Kevin Davies in the area. A timely interception from Fabregas prevented him from scoring. Fabregas and Rosicky saw their shots going wide and Jussi Jaaskelainen did enough to push ball away from the scampering Eduardo. In the 12th minute, Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty. (Arsenal are the only team in the league this season not to have been awarded one). Eduardo’s low cross from the left-hand side was flicked away from Jaaskelainen and the keeper swept his feet to bring down the Spaniard. Referee Phil Dowd, however, waved play on. Eight minutes later, Armand Traore was caught ball watching and Tamir Cohen’s cross was fumbled behind by Almunia. Soon Ivan Klasnic forced a low save from Almunia. With the Bolton pressure growing constantly, Arsenal began to involve Andrei Arshavin more into the game. The diminutive Russian cut inside from the left a and played a beautiful cross that went past inches away from Eduardo’s stretched right foot. Arsenal were getting very close to scoring the opener and it arrived in the 28th minute. Abou Diaby started the move by darting into the area. Fabregas took over and played a nice one-two with Eduardo before placing the ball into the far corner. This was his 13th goal of the season. Three minutes later Arsenal almost grabbed a second. The skipper’s corner fell to 19-year-old Eastmond on the edge of the area, whose powerful volley was stopped on the line by the Bolton keeper. Another penalty claim by Fabregas was turned down by the referee, Zat Knight clearly clipping the Spaniard.  Tempers flared momentarily between the two sides and Rosicky and Paul Robinson were booked for their troubles. Both sides got scoring opportunities near halftime, Bolton’s Lee forcing Almunia to a good save and a stumbling Fabregas tapping past the far post. The second half began similar to the first, with Bolton off the blocks quicker than the visitors. Gallas and Vermaelen were kept busy by the Bolton forwards. Past the hour mark, Wenger swapped Eastmond and Rosicky with Fran Merida and Gael Clichy. Clichy’s introduction strengthened the vulnerable left flank. In the 78th  minute, Arsenal got the crucial second goal. Fabregas was allowed a lot of space in the Bolton area and the Spaniard darted down before playing Eduardo. The Croatian curled a cross to the far post. Fran Merida collected with his left foot before shooting past the keeper. With only minutes to the final whistle, Arsenal saw out the game comfortably. If Arsenal go on to win the return fixture, they will overtake Manchester United and would be level on points with Chelsea.

Sponsored Links

Latest News

• Arsenal Face Chelsea In Crunch Tie
• Savic To Sign Pre Contract With Arsenal
• The Week That Was
• Match Report: Arsenal 2-0 Bolton
• Arsenal Monitoring Mario Mandzukic
• Arsenal Sign Bolivian Midfielder
• Senderos Set To Quit Arsenal, Confirms Wenger
• Arsenal Sign Campbell
• Chamakh Not For Sale, Says Triaud
• Van Persie To Be Out For 5 Months