Bolton v. Arsenal 1-3 20/Sep/08

A "perfect" performance today at the wanderers ground gave Arsenal the lead of the league. Ninety seconds were enough for the London side to secure a comfortable victory against an oportunous home side. This time the neglected efforts of the Wanderes were not as effective as the previous physiscall challenges and dirty tactics developed by Allardyce. It appears that Bolton can not struggle as far as a UEFA contending site. Still the remainder of last season's miraculous comeback had the traveling Gooners concerned with the always tough visit at Reebook Stadium.





The First half went on with the pressure of a determinate Bolton that managed to scare Almunia twice through Nolan. The difficulty of gaining possession by the defense and the overwhelming superiority of the home side gave them the lead at 15' through Kevin Davies. The Englishman got ahead of , yes Gallas again, and headed to the near post. The main problem of the Gunners was actually the absence of a "true midfield." Cesc was too forward while Denilson and Song too backwards. Near the 25' mark the visiting side turned the game favouring possession and above all, chances. Song and Adebayor prove the woodwork while Bendtner was near the equalizer that came at 26' through one of his brilliant passes. Although Eboué appeared to be offside the point was that the ball was not for him. 65'' later the lead by Arsenal came through Bendtner who capitalized a good reception by Manu followed by a nice cross of Denilson. The match went on until Davies criminally fouled Clichy nearing the half whistle.





Djorou entered for the injured Gaël and the most relevant happening was the third failed pass by Cesc at 48'. Although the superiority of Arsenal was clear, the ammount of uncertainty by the defense was clearly shown. Several attemtps by Davies at goal reminded Almunia to organize his wretched defensive block. In the other side Bedntner and Eboue clicked like Pires and Cole in the old days at Highbury. The physical prowness of Bolton was shown in the remaining parts of the match. The famous swaying formation 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 kept his rigidness allowing Theo more freedom that that with the English team. Ramsey entered at 85' fro Eboue nearly when reching the final whistle. The third goal came through a thunderous run by Theo which was set up by Manu and finished beautifully by Denilson.

Remaining uncertainty is on the Sheffield match which will prove one of Arsenal's most young sides ever.