It almost looked like those sneaky little rats from the north were going to get a point. The goal was a long time coming, Adebayor should’ve scored but decided to doodle around with the ball instead of firing and later RVP (best player on the pitch IMHO) struck the post. Bolton were officially playing a 4-5-1 but it looked more like a 7-3-1. I’m just glad we cracked it.
Arsenal are top of the table pending the Chelsea vs. Man Utd result. Goals from Eboue, Bendtner and Denilson. The game was basically decided in the 20 minutes after Bolton opened the scoring. Arsenal changed gears and dominated with dazzling displays of passing, missed chances, struck posts and finally, goals. Bolton tried to get physical in the second half but Arsenal were tough enough to respond, just like they had done last year at the Reebok. The Davies’ challenge on Clichy was harsh, he got the ball but there was so much more to it. Reminded me of Barton’s tackle on Nasri from a few games back – somewhat legal but unnecessary physical.
Van Persie and Walcott were rested in favor of Bendtner and Eboue. Walcott was brought in late and unleashed on the tired Bolton defense and he had big part in the Denilson goal. Denilson had an excellent game which was only marred by one or two bad tackles and bad passes, something that’s become the norm for him. I thought Walcott made the wrong choice when he laid it off to Adebayor on the right side instead of looking for Denilson initially but it turned out to be the right decision as he was serving as a magnet for the entire Bolton defense. The goal punctuated a fine afternoon for the Gunners.
This is Chinese commentary but good quality. I can’t bear listening to English hyperbole anymore, I prefer chipmunks instead.
Great fight back by the Gunners. All seemed lost at halftime, we were dominating play but Bolton was the one in the lead. Bad defending on their first goal and a giveaway led to the other. Diaby was sent off (rightfully) for a similar tackle as the one on Eduardo. We were creating half-chances all through the first half but it was embarassing to be down two goals to a relegation threatened Bolton side who are basically a bunch of talentless gypsies.
The outset of the second half was dominated by Bolton much to everyone’s shock but Arsene Wenger responded by replacing Bendtner for Emmanuel Adebayor and mixing in Theo Walcott. Immediate dividends followed. Adebayor has been taking a lot of heat since the goals have dried up but his pace was a key catalyst in this one.
Gallas who was having a terrible game scored off a poorly defended corner which should be enough for him to keep his captaincy for another week. Soon after, Adebayor’s run in the box was followed by a nifty back heel to Flamini who’s shot was blocked but Hleb was fouled trying to get to the rebound. RVP smashed one in from the spot and the Gunners were back. The final goal was sheer desire to not settle for a tie, a bit of luck on the deflection but the run by Fabregas was something to relish.
Gunners come back from the dead. Is it going to be enough to win the league? Probably not but it’s exactly what we needed going into the big Champions League clash against Liverpool.
