Arsenal Player Ratings in 4-1 Win vs. Bolton

Arsenal secured their third consecutive win of the season thanks to a strong effort against a tough Bolton outfit. This game was dominated by horrendous refereeing by Stuart Attwell, who missed a number of ugly challenges before red carding Bolton's Gary Cahill for a debatable challange.

Nonetheless, the Gunners overcame an equalizer on the stroke of half time to conquer with three second half goals of the highest calibre. The Arsenal attack was at its usual best with flowing movement and incisive passing. Wenger's men created a number of chances for themselves but failed to capitalize, largely due to Andrei Arshavin.

Owen Coyle's men provided stern competitors and took the air vigorously in hopes of success, however the Arsenal defence stood tall. The Gunner's backline were without fearless leader Thomas Vermaelen, but despite a few shaky moments, proved assuringly and look promising for the future.

With other results going in Arsene Wenger's favour the victory is all the more sweeter and will give the Gunners confidence going into the coming rounds.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia: 7: The mach-maligned Spaniard was solid again defusing a number of precarious crosses and high balls as well as making some strong saves. A little nervy when dealing with back passes, however. 

Emmanuel Eboue: 7: Lively and energetic. Gave the right flank flair and speed and proved strong in defence.

Laurent Koscienly: 6.5: As expected, the new partnership with Squillaci did cause some confusion, but the Frenchman performed credibly. A shaky header back to Almunia saw Bolton eventually equalize, but he made a number of strong challenges. 

Sebastien Squillaci: 7: An assured performance from the débutante. Dominated the air and boasted great control with the ball. Should settle in nicely and hopefully create a formidable partnership with Vermaelen.

Kieran Gibbs: 6.5: A soft effort ensured Johan Elmander managed to find the net, although the build-up was hardly the Englishman's fault. However, he did get physical when necessary and was a handy contributor in attack.

Alexandre Song: 8: Superb from the Cameroon midfielder. Strong in defence and even better in attack. Attempted to orchestrate a number of attacks and scored a sublime goal to effectively seal the win. 

Jack Wilshere: 6.5: Solid from the young gun. Looked lively and threatening on occasion and always provides a strong pass.

Cesc Fabregas: 8: The captain rose up and performed greatly. He's always dangerous, and the Spaniard's passing and movement was superb, which enabled the attack to flow. A great cross saw Arsenal regain the lead.

Tomas Rosicky: 6.5: Started strongly, providing a number of scintillating passes which tore open the Bolton backline. However, tended to drift in an out of the match to often.

Andrei Arshavin: 6: Could have and should have had at least a hat-trick. Too wasteful when on goal, but the Russian's partnership with Fabregas is uncanny and it seems to hasty to bench the little magician.

Marouane Chamakh: 7.5: A tireless worker who scored a deserved goal. Provided great presence and strength upfront and his control and speed was always a threat.

Substitutes

Abou Diaby: N/A: On for a brief stint before an ugly challenge saw the Frenchman limp off, which is a worry for Wenger.

Denilson: 6.5: Returned from injury and was solid, cutting down some Bolton attacks as well as supplying some nice touches.

Carlos Vela: 6.5: Showed Arshavin how to finish after scoring the fourth in style.