Arsenal vs. Bolton: Arsenal Player Ratings from the 3-0 Gunners Win

Arsenal got its season back on track with a 3-0 win over Bolton on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

Robin van Persie scored his 99th and 100th Arsenal goals, and Alex Song added a late third to give the Gunners just their second win in six matches this season.

Bolton frustrated Arsenal in the first half and defended well until David Wheater earned a red card for denying Theo Walcott a goal scoring opportunity in the second half.

After a tough first half, Arsenal attacked with more width after halftime and found immediate success. Van Persie opened the scoring just 38 seconds into the second half.

With the victory, Arsenal now has seven points from six matches. Bolton remains in the relegation zone with three points from six fixtures.

Below are Arsenal player ratings.

Man of the Match

Robin van Persie: The Arsenal captain showed why his manager gave him the title, inspiring his team to an outstanding second-half performance. He took his goals well and created problems throughout the half. As Arsenal tries to rebuild its season, van Persie will play a major role in the club's fortunes.

Goalkeeper

Wojciech Szczesny 6.5: He made a nice save on a Bolton set piece early in the first half, but was rarely troubled after that. He also saved one-on-one in the second half. A careless pass nearly gave Bolton an opportunity in the first half.

Defenders

Kieran Gibbs 6.0: Gibbs didn't have much trouble with Bolton's attack, but all of Arsenal's defenders looked flat-footed early. Gibbs had trouble getting forward in the first half as Bolton made a point to limit Arsenal's width.

Bacary Sagna 6.0: See above. Saturday was a mostly unspectacular day for Arsenal's defense.

Laurent Koscielny 5.5: Koscielny and Mertesacker gave Bolton too much space on set pieces early in the first half. Other than that, Kos put in a decent effort.

Per Mertesacker 5.5: See above. Mertesacker also played a careless pass in the first half that nearly gave Bolton a chance.

Midfielders

Mikel Arteta 7.0: Arteta keeps showing his value for Arsenal after the loss of Cesc Fabregas. On Saturday, Arteta once again controlled the midfield, making pass after incisive pass. His through balls regularly cut open Bolton's midfield and defense.

Alex Song 6.5: It's a good thing when you don't notice your holding midfielder until he scores. As usual, Bolton tried to clog the midfield. Song worked hard to keep Arsenal's midfield in control, and he scored a great goal.

Gervinho 6.5: He served as Arsenal's most dangerous attacking option but didn't have as much influence in the second half.

Theo Walcott 7.0: Walcott was the opposite of Gervinho. Mostly ineffective in the first half, he was the key to unlocking Bolton's defense in the second. His runs down the flank tore open Bolton. His pass from the wing set up van Persie's second goal, and his diagonal run to the middle led to Wheater's sending-off.

Forwards

Robin van Persie 7.5: Van Persie inspired Arsenal in the second half, turning in a true captain's performance. He seems to be thriving in the role.  

Aaron Ramsey 6.0: Listed as a forward, Ramsey played as more of an attacking midfielder. His galloping run set up the opening goal, but he was quiet for much of the rest of the match.

Substitutes

Andrei Arshavin 6.0: His killer pass to van Persie nearly led to another goal. Other than that, he was mostly a bit player.

Thomas Rosicky: no rating

Marouane Chamakh no rating: Chamakh came on for van Persie in the 86th minute, probably to allow the fans a chance to applaud van Persie.