Barclays Premier League (Round 23)
Arsenal looked the better side for most of the game, but could not convert key opportunities against a Bolton side that is currently one place out of the relegation zone. The wait for Arsenal’s first Premier League victory of 2012 continues.
Reaction: It was a typical Arsenal performance, with good ball movement and possession but nothing to show for it. Arsenal came out swinging, and Bolton spent most of the first half on its back heels. However, the Gunners’ attack stalled around the midway point and never truly recovered. Bolton managed to scare the visitors several times in the closing minutes, with Kevin Davies being the main culprit. The game was rife with near-misses on both ends — with only a bit of luck, the game might have easily been a 3-2 or 2-2 finish.
Best: In a game mostly devoid of heroes, the Gunners’ best performance again goes to Robin van Persie. The in-form striker was his usual self, either routinely dropping deep to play in attacking midfielders or creating chances for himself. He nicked the woodwork twice, including one on a beautiful chipshot over the keeper’s head that was destined for highlight reels.
Worst: Tie between Per Mertesacker and Wojcech Szczesny. Arsenal’s lumbering central defender was again caught out of position at several key moments, including being taken off the dribble by Davies at the top of the box near the end of full time. Mertesacker’s hold on Davies as he flew by was surely penalty-worthy, and probably should have cost the Gunners the point. Meanwhile, Szczesny turned in an unusually shaky performance, looking unassured throughout most of the game. The keeper’s ill-advised decision to dribble out of the box at one point nearly surrendered a wide-open goal as he was pressed by an aggressive Bolton forward.
Notables: Out-of-form midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who is the subject of recent rumors regarding a move back to Russia, has not featured in either of Arsenal’s past two games…AM Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has now started three consecutive games…RB Bacary Sagna made his first start since returning from a broken leg suffered against Tottenham Hotspur in October.
What’s next: Arsenal will again be touted as comfortable favorites as they host struggling Blackburn on Saturday, who currently sit behind Bolton at 18th.
