Under Sam Allardyce, Bolton were a dirty, cynical, and dangerous team. In the post-Allardyce era, they are no longer dangerous. And so Arsenal faced a dirty, cynical Bolton on Saturday. With Sammy Lee already sacked (his "more expansive" style of football essentially = crap), coach Archie Knox was appointed caretaker, and he did what so many teams do against Arsenal - clog up the midfield, and get his players to kick and scrap as best they could to keep the scores level.

Shorn of Nicolas Anelka, their only genuine attacking threat, through injury, Bolton never once looked like threating, and although they managed to keep the scores level for an hour, Arsenal were already in their second half ascendancy when they took the lead.

And that moment was all about Kolo Toure. Those who've followed the Arsenal steadily for the last two years or so would have noticed an ever increasing tendency by Toure to take speculative thumps from anywhere between 30-60 yards out. From time-to-time they'd force the 'keeper into a save, often even resulting in rebounds for the strikers. But most of the time it would just leave you wondering why perfectly good free-kick positions were wasted; it was always a familiar pattern, someone standing on the ball, and Toure running in to thump it high, wide, or into the wall. So often the entire sequence was messed up, and there would be missed kicks, or the coordination problems, and he couldn't even get the shot away. Yet Kolo still seemed to be on a mission to thump in a long ranger.

Well, last week against Sunderland he thumped one that came back out off the post, and that was perhaps a sign of things to come.

Yesterday, without the prodiguous left-foot of Robin Van Persie, they needed to improvise for a free-kick outside the box. 3 Arsenal player waited patiently around the ball when the free-kick was given. Then, when the whistle blew, Cesc Fabregas rolled it to Mathieu Flamini, who cushioned it into the path of the onrushing Kolo, who in turn drilled a low hard shot perfectly into the bottom far corner of the goal. It went through the legs of two defenders, and the Bolton 'keeper had no chance.

And that was, as Ian Grant descibred, the "unblocking of the drain". The football flowed after that - Adebayor wasted two chances, one with a poor shot, and the other with an absolutely horrendous messup. Gallas had chances, and Theo zipped past 4 Bolton players before putting in a low cross that no one was alert to.

But the second goal did come, and it was the two substitues who combined for it. Hleb showed great awareness to play the ball to a just-onside Walcott. It was a hard, high pass, and Theo did fantastically well to control it, turn a defender inside out, and then square another low-cross in from the right. Rosicky had made a great run in, and he showed excellent technique to deftly flick the ball across the keeper into the far post with his instep. 2-0 to the Arsenal, and that was the game.

Hleb was oustanding, and the team played well overall. Eboue continues to look uncomfortable on the wing, and Adebayor was extremely, extremely wasteful, but had an immense team contribution over all. 11 straight wins now, but the real tests will come over the next two weekends - with games against Liverpool and Manchester United. 

Arsenal deservedly beat Bolton 2-1 today at Highmirates, going down early on (as usual) to a Nicolas Anelka goal (as usual) from the opposition's first chance (as usual). But they showed great spirit and good football to equalise and then take the lead just after the restart. Tomas Rosicky scored the equaliser after great work from Emmanuel Adebayor and some not-so-great work from Bolton's right-back/human-celery-stalk Nicky Hunt. Rosicky had looked super up for this from the start, and after taking on the Bolton defence and trying all manner of shots, it was no surprise that he stole in to capitalise on the gangly one's mistake - Hunt tried to chest Ade's cross to their keeper, but didn't sense Tommy sneaking in behind him, and he neatly dispatched the ball past Juskalaineaieiaaaieiein.

The winning goal was a special moment - 44 seconds after the break, Gilberto played a great through ball for Cesc to run on to. "El Matador" took a touch to compose himself, dummied a defender, set himself up and fooled Faye into thinking he would shoot to the far post, and then splendidly placed the ball high into the near post. His first goal since August, and his first Premiership goal this season... the first shot scored in 62 attempts on target!

The joy was all too evident on his face, and he jumped up and down madly for a few minutes before getting back to the task at hand - which was to hang on to the lead and beat Bolton. This was almost blown to bits with the horribly profligate finishing that Arsenal keep showing - About Diaby first missing a clear header on goal, and then completely messing up a one-on-one chance. He first pushed Baptista out of the way when the ball was played through, and then ran at the keeper and weakly shot straight at him when he could have set Baptista up for an easy tap-in.

Then straight down the other end, Eboue horribly handled the ball in the box, but somehow referee Rob Styles styleshly signalled that it was unintentional and ball-to-hand when it clearly wasn't. Sam Allardyce complained afterwards of course, being the insufferably ugly and painful walrus that he is, but on balance of play Arsenal deserved the win, they had 9 shots on goals to Bolton's 2.

The usual defensive problems were all too evident though - Bolton's goal came from a long ball and Kevin Nolan was given all the freedom in the world to head the ball back across goal. Lehman clawed it away, and Anelka opportunistically knocked the rebound in. Oh, and you know that rule about how strikers always score against their former clubs, well it's beginning to piss me off? Anelka with 3 against us since he signed for Bolton, and he had another 3 or 4 when playing for Man City. Annoyance!

Ok, i've had enough of this writing business for the day. I'll sign off, but first I must mention Freddie Ljungberg. He looked committed and threatening all game, but most importantly he seemed to step up a gear and try and drive the team on once we went a goal down. He never let our heads drop, and was important today even if he missed his scoring chances.

Finally... a bit of an oddity/treat. If you're using IE, then highlight the image below with your mouse. If you're not using IE, then use IE for this. Then once you've seen it, please explain it to me:

So here is the story in short:

1. There was a lot of pre-match buildup including - "Bolton are Arsenal's bogey team", "Arsenal's 'pretty' footballers can't handle Bolton's thuggery", "Allardyce spurts bravado bullshit and slags Wenger off". This included the usual rubbish about Bolton's "honest" English players, Wenger's diving foreigners and all sorts of usual xenophobic nonsense that the English press loves to throw up. Wenger stuck to his guns (as he always does, and said that they would play football and try to win.

2. The story of the first-match was - Bolton going up 1-0 through Kevin Nolan early on, Arsenal equalising for 1-1 through Kolo Toure late on. Both teams were wasteful, but it was a tense, tight affair.

3. The story of this match was a little more complex. I'm tempted to use bullet points, but i'm too lazy: Arsenal played football, and how. Mesmering passing and dominant possession throughout the first half resulted only in a one goal lead. Hleb, Denilson, Rosicky and Adebayor all combining beautifully in the build-up, and the Togostick scoring with a left-footed shot via a deflection off Stelios. Diaby and Denilson were magical in the centre of midfield, controlling the play, going in for tackles, and above all always moving the ball around. This lead was almost lost just before half-time when Stelios hit the bar. Time for a new paragraph.

The second half was a little bit more even, but not much at all. Arsenal lost a bit of their flow and rhythym but still controlled the game. Baptista showed great Brazilianity to win a penalty, which Gilberto slammed high into the roof... of the stadium. Still 1-0 to the Arsenal. Bolton's influence on the game was increasing, but Arsenal countered well, and Adebayor sprinted through on goal, neatly rounded the keeper, and with the goal COMPLETELY at his mercy, he fired the ball in.. to the post, from where it rebounded away to safety. Still 1-0 to the Arsenal, but things get more tense now. Then, the predictable happened. As a few Arsenal counter-attacks and half-chances were again wasted (Baptista was particularly guilty), Bolton equalised in the 92nd minute. How? Through a corner of course, because Arsenal were once again "brilliant" with their set-piece defending (although to be fair they actually were for most of the game). With Bolton keeper Jasskalainen mucking about with Toure on the penalty spot, three players queued up unmarked at the far post, the ball was headed in, and Meite stabbed it home. Pandemonium. End of normal time, and end of paragraph.

Extra-time started off with the Arse looking nervous, and I really feared for the result. I am always confident that we can win penalty shootouts when Almunia is involved, but getting to the end of extra-time seemed like it was going to be a problem, especially when stand-in centreback Gilberto flicked a cross towards his own goal, fortunately it hit the post and was sent to safety. The first-half of extra-time ended without further event, and with both teams looking tense and tired, penalties were very possibly on the cards. Not to be so however, and two substitutes combined to give Arsenal the lead. Jeremie Aliadiere showed great pace and skill to run about 45 yards, beating about 4 or 5 players along the way, and tapped a neat ball into the path of the onrushing Freddie, who a la 2002, took the ball in his stride with his right foot, and struck a perfect early shot with his left that was only ever destined for the far corner. 2-1 to the Arsenal.

Bolton surged forward in search of an equaliser, and with their keeper up for another corner, Arsenal broke, Adebayor was clean through on goal, and Anelka fouled him from behind in the penalty area. Why was it not a red card? There was no keeper in sight, so Adeabyor had a clear goalscoring opportunity and Anelka was the last man, and he made no attempt to get the ball. All that he got was a yellow. Perhaps the referee didn't want to send off a second Bolton "footballer" after dismissing the dirty, smelly and irritating Tal Ben Haim earlier on, but it's not Arsenal's problem that people like Tal Ben Haim exist is it?

Anyways, Baptista stepped up to take the penalty, and obviously him and Gilberto are having some sort of "Best Brazilian" contest, and the Beast being his humble self, he decided to let Gilberto win and smacked the penalty even harder and more inaccurately than Gil. Still 2-1.

Then finally, Arsenal got their deserved scoreline. Baptista broke through on goal, tried to round the keeper and messed it up, and ended up "passing" the ball to Adebayor who tucked it home. He deserved that second goal, and Arsenal deserved their scoreline, and Bolton deserved absolutely nothing but a loss and a lesson in football, both of which they got.

Full time: Bolton 1 - 3 Arsenal, and Blackburn await in the next round on Saturday. This was one of the most exciting games of the season, and for both excitement and quality of football, patches of it sensational.

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Almunia (8/10) - So solid, so composed. Is this really Almunia? He's good in these phsyical games, because of his temperament. People tend to always have a go at Lehmann, especially Bolton. Almunia just gets on with it, which helps the team. His shot-stopping has never been in doubt, but this season his aerial ability, judgement and command of his area have been super.

Djourou (7/10) - Played at right-back to try and combat aerial attacks and did well. Was surprisingly declared fit after his suspected "broken nose". Started to disappear later on, and was apparently injured and subbed off for Hoyte.

Toure (7.5/10) - Some people said he struggled, but he did well. He must be exhausted, but he's such a force at the back with his pace and power. He's looked a bit out of sorts and positionally suspect, but he's always there, and always trying to drive the team forward. Got beaten by Anelka once, but didn't give him a sniff after that.

Gilberto (7.5/10) - Another oustanding performance filling in at the back from Gilberto. Very composed, and turned in a great performance, although he almost scored an own goal. He never looked confident for the penalty, and the miss was no surprise.

Clichy (8/10) - Just oustanding from the zippy Frenchman. Another one who must be completely shattered, and there's really very little relief in sight for him with Gallas still injured and Traore not being ready to play week-in, week-out yet. So quick, so alert and composed on the ball even if his passing and crossing are still off the mark. Really has come into his own over the past month or so. Was such a threat going forward and combining with Rosicky, and providing instant pace and presence on counter-attacks.

Hleb (8/10) - Immensely classy player, and never afraid to take on a game. He ran at Bolton time and time again, and was instrumental in setting up the opened. Not often the man who gives the final pass, but almost always the facilitator of it, he really is a special, unique talent. There aren't many dribblers like him, and he gives this team a whole new dimension on the right. Worked back to help out the fullback and central midfielders as always. 2/10 for the haircut thought.

Denilson (7.5) - The youngster was brilliant. What a find. So strong, so skillful. Together with Diaby he ran the show for the first 70 minutes or so, and played commitedly for all 120. Had a few lapses, but he's only 19. He plays Wengerball properly, and if Bolton's midfield is supposed to be tough, then this kid is a monster in the making. Happy birthday!

Diaby (7.5) - Time and time again, it seemed like Patrick Vieira had somehow been secretly smuggled back in to London and was playing for the Arsenal. Using his physique and winning the ball and gliding past players just like Le Grand Saucisse used to, Abou seems to have recovered well from his injury. He had quite a few awry passes, but found his feet soon enough, and was really dominant. Didn't break Campo's foot this time, but there'll be time for that at the Grove.

Rosicky (8/10) - Man of the match by a long way for the first 60-70 minutes, he faded from the game after. He tormented the Bolton defence, tackled well, and generally created almost everything in that amazing first half. He was all over the place, but always in the right place at the right time. Bolton couldn't get near him, and his style of play is perfect for situations like these. He's stronger than he looks, and almost always looks to turn and face when receving the ball so he's always got time, always got space, and is always seeing the game. Avoided all sorts of challenges, and rarely ever lost the ball. Would have been man of the match if not for Adebayor's superhuman efforts.

Baptista (4/10) - Nonsense. Wasted chance after half-chance, didn't combine well with anyone, was sluggish, and didn't look at all confident. Tried too hard at times to make up for playing shit, but this was often at the expense of teammates, especially late on where Adebayor was open in space and all that was required was a simple square ball, but Baptista dribbled and shot his wasy to nowhere. Showed bad decision making in quite a few situations, but encouragingly doesn't seem to let it get to him. Did a tricky stepover to win a penalty, but took a horrible penalty late on. I am convinced that he looks just like a Ninja turtle, but the question is... which one?

Adebayor (9/10) - Just immense. Ran from the first minute to the last minute (that's over 2 hours!). Combined well with everybody, scored two well deserved goals, but missed a sitter in the second half that would have settled the result. He's quick, he's strong, he's tricky, and he gives 150%. It was unbelievable how he just kept on running all game. Gave the Bolton defenders so many problems, and tracked back equally well, including one situation late on where he sprinted back some 60 yards to dispossess Diouf (or was it Anelka?). Man of the match by a long way. Has found his space in this team, and he loves being here, and we love having him here.

Ljungberg (8/10) - 8!! EIGHT!!! OCHO?!?!?! Yes - 8/10, because he deserves it. Not just for that super finish (which only he could have scored), but because of the way he led and guided the team when he came on. People may say he has nothing to offer anymore, but his experience is immeanse. Just watch how he dispossessed a few Bolton players, tracked back, and the positions he took up in attack and the way he tried to use the ball (not always succesfully albeit). Made two great fouls (one resulting in a booking) that were again down to experience - he made the fouls early on, before the Bolton players could leave their own halves, and both would definitely have resulted in very dangerous counters. We love you all over again Freddie!

Aliadiere (7/10) - On for Rosi in extra-time and had a profound effect on the game, setting up Freddie. Very sharp, inventive and quick. His fresh legs turned the game, and he ran at Bolton time and time again, and held the ball up very well on the flanks.

Hoyte (6/10) - Did his job, but was shaky against Diouf and Anelka. Came on for the injured(?) Djourou.

So that's the story. It's special to see this new Arsenal team developing, they all have skill, they all have camaraderie, they all love being there, and they're all about giving 150% effort. Guys like Hleb and Rosicky can easily act like primadonnas with the amount of skill that they have, but they play the game in full - attack and defence (unlike say - Pires, or quite often Henry). This is the future, and in a team full of technicians, this kind of attitude is the key to success.