Arsenal-Bolton: A Prayer for Tunisia!

As predicted at the end of my review of the Reebok clash, the "return" match at the Emirates three days later would be every bit as difficult, if not more so. And, without a doubt, yesterday's match was one of the most tense, nail-biting, enthralling, and, ultimately delightful contests involving Arsenal Football Club over the past few years.

Looking down and out-of-sorts after a wretched opening half hour, although crucially, not down and out, things were looking were rather bleak as Matthew Taylor squeezed his spot-kick under the arms of the flailing Manuel Almunia . 0-2!

In truth, we were actually playing, or trying to play, our normal game, not showing any signs of panic. This, even after Gary Cahill's seventh minute sucker punch, thanks in part to an unnecessary hoof out of play by William Gallas , and largely to a shambolic series of clearing attempts in the box from the resulting throw-in; a trend-setter for the remainder of the evening as far as defending was concerned.

What a contrast to Sunday afternoon, I cursed!

However, the swashbuckling football and refusal to panic even in such a seemingly hapless position was the main trend set, as the team regrouped before half-time; Tomas Rosicky's thumping finish a crucial turning point.

The second half was, understandably, all Arsenal. Led by the likes of Fabregas, Rosicky, Arshavin, and even Gallas frequently joining in the attacks (atoning for his earlier error one feels), the equaliser was inevitable.

Yes, controversy struck.

Allow me to survey the situation as objectively as I can, bearing in mind that claiming my vision is Arsenalistic to the extreme is quite the understatement. And, yes, controversy is likely to strike here.

Bolton do not play football. Bolton harass, push, heckle, and grind the opposition's players, with football being the secondary aim. Of course, by football, I mean route one, kick and run, type of play. Not criticising here, certainly not the latter part of my analysis, before any Bolton supporter or whoever else jumps at my throat.

But this is only acceptable if there is no intent to harm an opposition player. On Sunday afternoon, there was enough evidence to suggest the Bolton players were out to cripple Fabregas, and same again last night, although to a lesser extent.

Now, the tackle by Gallas on Bolton's Mark Davies was potentially horrific. Probably a red card offence. But this was a truly committed challenge in the heat of contest for the ball. The referee played on. Thus, there is no reason why we shouldn't play on.

From there, Fabregas' magic was enough to clinch the deserved equaliser, a perfect springboard from which to snatch victory. First, an Arsenal corner confusing Bolton's big hitters (yes, I kid you not), with Vermaelen showing the poise and finesse of a goalscoring playmaker.

Then, the icing on the cake. A truly worked Arsenal goal (with a few ricochets in our favour, mind), and a typically clinical finish from the hardworking, yet at times jaded, Arshavin.

The comeback was complete, and although the three points were more than enough after such a life-sapping affair, that fourth goal sent us top of the table. An absolute bonus, if you ask me! Cue the trademark chants from the boisterous home crowd.

This was all well and good, with an exhibition of fighting spirit so different to that of Sunday's, yet just as sweet, if not sweeter. With every match is an examination of Arsenal's title-winning credentials and this was no different. Passed with flying colours.

But with many alarm bells ringing.

With rendezvous against top opposition looming on the horizon, the defending last night left a lot to be desired. Long balls were pumped in all night, and more often than not, it took several punts and thrashes into thin air to clear the danger. The goalkeeper uncertain. The defence shaky. The centre of the midfield gaping.

We have achieved our aim of proving our ability to hang in there, bounce back and to fight for this Championship. Losing out after a long, hard battle against seasoned world class professionals, would be every bit as honourable as the fight we led last night, and on many an occasion this season.

However, throwing it away in a fashion akin to the defending on show against Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium would be the ultimate fiasco.

And, with the added dread of a Diaby injury late on, coupled to some primary school defending, I think it is fair to plea that Gooners far and wide pray for a Tunisian success over Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, including the ones with Egyptian roots amongst us (guilty)!

I mean, we've only got one Song!