Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal 4 Bolton 2: Fabregas hits form as Wenger's men surge to the summit
[LNB]Such is the daredevil nature of this Arsenal team that they were never likely to opt for the simplest route to the summit. Instead, they flopped onto the top of the Premier League after an exhausting and emotional 90-minute battle. [LNB]On the way up, they supplied a variety of reasons why they might not stay there until May, including the jittery defensive shambles which allowed Bolton to steal a 2-0 lead in 28 minutes. [LNB]But there was evidence, too, to suggest Arsene Wenger's team might stay firmly in the race for a title which seemed far beyond them when they slipped 11 points adrift of Chelsea at the end of November. [LNB] Top of the pile: Andrey Arshavin gives Jussi Jaaskelainen no chance to send Arsenal to the Premier League summit[LNB]One reason for believing so is captain Cesc Fabregas, back in thegroove and an inspiration again, despite the close attentions ofFabrice Muamba, who was detailed to mark him. [LNB]Another is the fighting quality which has seen them come back frombehind to beat Liverpool, West Ham and Bolton since the 3-0 hammeringat home to Chelsea. [LNB]Last night, however, might prove significant for the fact that Arsenal got physical and kicked their way to victory. [LNB]Bolton manager Owen Coyle is entitled to brood long and hard overthe nasty high tackle by William Gallas on Mark Davies which launchedthe move leading to an equaliser beautifully finished by Fabregas. [LNB]Coyle insisted it was a red card and slow motion replays showedexactly how bad it was, with studs sinking deep into the ankle. Butreferee Alan Wiley missed it, the Gunners pulled level and Davies, whohad been excellent in Bolton's midfield, left the arena on a stretcherafter extensive treatment on the pitch.Sadly, large sections of home fans erupted into cheers as he was carried off. [LNB] Priceless: Vermaelen rifles in the winner[LNB] [LNB]At the final whistle, Coyle marched towards Wiley with a purpose,shook him by the hand, said what he felt needed saying and moved on,leaving his backroom staff to hammer the point home. [LNB]Gallas paraded around the pitch with Bacary Sagna, holding aloft aT-shirt bearing a slogan supporting Haiti's earthquake victims asArsenal fans sang: 'We are top the league' and the pa system blurtedout 'Moving on Up'. [LNB] French connection: Arsenal's Gallas and Sagna parade a t-shirt supporting Haiti's earthquake victims at the final whistle [LNB][LNB]Tomas Rosicky scored Arsenal's first before Fabregas levelled on 52minutes and then Thomas Vermaelen smashed in the third, a left-footeron the half-volley after Bolton had failed to clear. [LNB]Andrey Arshavin fired in the fourth after pinball session in the box to ensure Arsenal would be top of the table. [LNB]It was Arsenal's 59th goal in 22 Premier League games this seasonand they might have made it a round 60 had Arshavin not ignored TheoWalcott and gone it alone in stoppage time. [LNB] This Cesc is on fire: Fabregas blasts his 14th of the season[LNB] [LNB]The celebratory mood inside the Emirates was far removed from the early mild panic. [LNB]Bolton went ahead in seven minutes after defensive errors. The firstwas from Gallas, who sliced the ball into touch and invited an airassault which Arsenal could not resist. Abou Diaby looped a header highand, when it dropped, Clichy tried to hook it clear. [LNB]Again, the ball soared back from whence it came. Kevin Davies beatVermaelen in the air and Gary Cahill swept the loose ball past ManuelAlmunia. [LNB]It was reminiscent of events against Everton on Arsenal's last homeouting, when Leon Osman seized on the aerial frailties in Wenger's teamto score. On that occasion, they salvaged a point. Last night, theircomposure was rattled again. [LNB]Their first instinct was to flood forward with a touch ofdesperation. Jussi Jaaskelainen denied Rosicky, Eduardo and Arshavinwent close but Bolton looked dangerous when they broke.[LNB] Czech mate: Tomas Rosicky strikes for Arsenal[LNB] [LNB] Challenges from Gallas and Diaby protected Almunia until the keeperwas forced into a fine save to keep out a Matt Taylor free-kick. [LNB]More recklessness at the back allowed the visitors to extend theirlead when Denilson was lured into a clumsy challenge on Chung-Yong Lee.Wiley got it right this time, pointing to the spot. Taylor squeezed hiskick into the corner. [LNB]Kevin Davies headed against his own bar as he struggled to reach aFabregas free-kick but Rosicky then clawed his vital goal back with anear-post strike. [LNB]The controversial Fabregas goal came in the 52nd minute. After thetackle from Gallas, the ball was shifted to Sagna, back in to Arshavinwho lost possession but the ball spilled to Fabregas.[LNB] Spot on: Matt Taylor puts Bolton 2-0 up with a penalty[LNB] [LNB] His run and cool finish was wonderful and then Arshavin rounded off the evening with a right-foot shot. [LNB]Bolton remain stuck in relegation trouble after two games underCoyle - both against Arsenal who are now level on points with Chelseaat the top. But with one game fewer to play, the next four league gameswill determine whether they have what it takes to sustain a genuinetitle challenge. [LNB] Off to a flyer: Gary Cahill put Bolton ahead after seven mihnutes[LNB] [LNB]After Sunday's FA Cup tie at Stoke, Wenger's team take on Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in a fortnight. [LNB] Walcott and Bendtner can be like new signings, says Gunners boss WengerFabregas has hunger back as Arsenal skipper looks to put hell behind himCoyle ready to revive pursuit for Wilshere as Bolton boss eyes recruitsARSENAL FC
