Bolton Wanderers 1-3 Arsenal

Bolton under Allardyce enjoyed playing Arsenal. Bolton's physical approach and long ball game seemed to put Arsenal off their flowing, passing game.

When Bolton opened the scoring through Keith Davis when he headed home Joey O'Brien's corner from six yards out. It looked like Bolton were going to upset the Gunners again at the Reebok.

This Arsenal team are stronger and Bolton not quite as direct under Megson.
Arsenal began to play.
On twenty six minutes Emmanuel Eboue equalised from close range.
A minute later Arsenal were in front when Nicklas Bendtner bundled home Denilson's cross.

Second-half substitute Theo Walcott played the ball to Adebayor out wide who sent in a teasing cross that Denilson tapped home to seal the points.

Walcott had a late chance for 4-1 but his curling shot was tipped round the post by Jaaskelainen.

It sent Arsenal top, with Chelsea playing Manchester United on Sunday and Liverpool dropping points at home to Stoke.

Bolton boss Gary Megson:
"We started okay but then Arsenal gave us a footballing lesson for 30 minutes, we couldn't get near them in the first half.

"We were excellent in the second half. It was a good day even though we got turned over at home 3-1.

"Every time we play now we have to pick up where we left off in that second half because it was terrific.

"You are never happy that you have lost but the second half performance was excellent.

"There is some light at the end of the tunnel now. If we do that against every other team they all do not have the quality of Arsenal."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"I thought it was a convincing, united, classy performance with strengths everywhere.

"We were strong mentally, physically and technically. It was a complete performance.

"Even in the second half when we needed to defend more we showed resilience. There are aspects of our game that make me think the team is maturing very quickly.

"We can always get better, that is the positive thing. We want to improve. As long as your attitude is right, you can go forward. We did not panic after going behind and that is the pleasing thing."

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Shittu, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Joey O'Brien (McCann 61), Smolarek (Riga 56), Muamba (Vaz Te 81), Nolan, Gardner, Davies.
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Hunt, Helguson, Cohen.

Booked: Davies, Muamba.

Goals: Davies 14.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Djourou 46), Eboue (Ramsey 85), Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Adebayor, Bendtner (Walcott 73).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Van Persie, Vela, Gibbs.

Booked: Song Billong, Fabregas.

Goals: Eboue 26, Bendtner 27, Denilson 87.

Att: 22,694

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).