Gunners show character

With already conceding the top spot to Manchester United and even losing the second place to Chelsea the pressure was on Arsenal to get a win and put on the teams ahead of them in the title race. And they were up against a physical Bolton team at the Reebok, a place were they have not won for 6 years.

Arsenal started brightly but it was Mathew Taylor who hit the back of the net for his first goal since his arrival from Portsmouth. And just when Arsenal were pushing for an equaliser Diaby dived in studs-up on Steinsson's ankle and referee Chris Foy had no hesitation in showing a red card and still an hour was left to play. Even with 10 men they fought and while the first half was coming to an end Taylor shot was deflected in off Gallas and they found themselves 2-0 down going into the break.

In the second half Bolton were trying for a third and had some decent chances and Wenger bought in Walcott and Adebayor to try and ignite some fire in the team and just when things were looking good for Bolton they conceded from a corner, poor defending resulting in the goal for Gallas in the 63rd minute.

After that it was Arsenal all the way they played the kind of football they used to and Bolton were down in confidence. Six minutes later the Gunners were level when Van Persie converted from the penalty spot after Cahill brought down Hleb. Arsenal after that were going for the winner and Van persie had a couple of misses.

And with seconds to go Arsenal snatched victory when Hleb's cross from the left was helped on by Fabregas and took two deflections, the last off Samuel to give the Gunners' hope in the title race. Wenger would have been a proud man to see his young team show this fighting spirit. Finally a win for Gunners after going 5 matches without one.

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