Match Review: Bolton 1-3 Arsenal

Firstly, sorry that there was no review for the Wigan game or preview for this one. Anyway, lets cut to the chase, on a classic FA Cup tie at the Reebok.


Everyone knows Bolton are our bogey team and a win at their place comes very rarely. But the win did come. A 3-1 win after extra time - but it should have been over after 90 minutes. Arsenal welcomed back Alex Hleb to the side and what a difference he made. The Belarus international's quick feet and precise passing gave the Gunners the cutting edge and proved how important he is to the team. Mr Wenger decided to rest Jens Lehmann, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry but we proved yet again that we can win without our talismanic striker.


On 13 minutes, Emmanuel Adebayor's deflected shot flew past the helpless Jaaskelainen, to finish a wonderful Arsenal move. Tomas Rosicky gave by far his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. He was cutting inside, making some delightful passes and linking up brilliantly with Gael Clichy down the left flank throughout the match. The makeshift midfield were awesome. Hleb also had one of his best performances and Abou Diaby was as solid as a rock at the heart of the team. As for Denilson, he just gets better. The kid is only 18 but looks the real deal. Strong, quick and fits in perfectly with Arsenal's flowing football. You just wonder how good this lad will be. But throughout the game, The Gunners were in total control, everyone playing their part.


Arsenal did get a wake-up call on the stroke of half time though, a sweet strike form Stelios left the woodwork shaking before the defence got rid of the danger. Bolton looked strong in the second half, until Tal Ben Haim brought down Julio Baptista in the box, penalty! Ben Haim was booked just before stand-in skipper, Gilberto blasted the penalty over the bar. Then with five minutes left, Adebayor dispossessed Campo before rounding the keeper and hitting the post. A golden opportunity to win it went begging. Then in the dying seconds, Diouf's corner was headed down by Campo for Abdoulaye Meite to steer home from close range. UNBELIEVABLE!


So extra time began, and Arsenal had used all their substitutes: Freddie Ljungberg, Justin Hoyte and Jerermie Aliadiere replaced Alex Hleb, Tomas Rosicky and Johan Djourou. And they made a huge impact. Aliadiere went on a magnificent run before releasing Ljungberg who steered a beautiful shot past Jaaskelainen. But there was still more drama. Ben Haim was sent off for a second yellow before Nicolas Anelka fouled Adebayor in the box, another penalty! Baptista stepped up, but like his fellow countryman, blasted the penalty into orbit. And then to end an action packed night, Baptista sprinted towards the goal, rounded Jaaskelainen and let Adebayor roll the ball into the unguarded net, for his second goal.

Match Ratings:
Almunia: Has become a reliable, consistent keeper (8)
Djourou: Fantastic considering he was injured (7)
Toure: Two words: A rock (8)
Gilberto: Quiet, but solid, despite skying a penalty (7)
Clichy: We've got the best left back in the world, CLICHY! (8)
Hleb: Stunning performance, great to see him back (9)
Denilson: Mark my words, this kid will be huge... (9)
Diaby: Looks more like Vieira every game, another great prospect (8)
Rosicky: Majestic display. Here, there and everywhere. (9) MAN OF THE MATCH
Adebayor: Work rate is brilliant and made up for missing that sitter with 2 goals (9)
Baptista: Made good runs but to be honest waasted the ball (6)

SUBS:
Hoyte: Solid in the little time he had on the pitch (7)
Ljungberg: Super sub! Fantastic goal, we still love you Freddie! (8)
Aliadiere: Changed the game. Please keep him Wenger! (8)