EPL Review: Eight Things Fans Learnt from Arsenal's 3-0 Win Against Bolton

Arsenal secured just their second Premier League win of 2011-12 with a 3-0 defeat of Bolton at the Emirates. Captain Robin van Persie starred as the Gunners enjoyed an emphatic second half which included Bolton defender David Wheater receiving a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Theo Walcott.

Nonetheless, the North London giants showed impressive patience and composure as Bolton provided a tough opening 45 minutes for Wenger's men with tenacious defending. However, van Persie brilliance 40 seconds into the second stanza saw the Gunners take the lead and the Dutchman secure his 99th goal for Arsenal. The 28-year-old managed his 100th 18 minutes from the final whistle when he latched onto a Theo Walcott cross before defensive midfield Alexandre Song sealed the victory with a well-placed shot just before the 90.

The pressure was heavily placed on Arsenal prior to the encounter following their disastrous start to the season and a win will immediately alleviate a large amount of lingering tension in North London along with igniting confidence for the Gunners.

The Gunners recorded 27 goal attempts and enjoyed 67 percent of possession, highlighting their dominance in the midfield and attack. There were again key presences absent for Wenger, but if his young squad can continue from this positive performance, things will surely improve at the Emirates.

Bleacher Report establishes eight things fans learnt.

8. Kieran Gibbs Is Quick Furthermore He Has the Potential to Emulate Ashley Cole

There was a moment in the second half when Bolton winger Chris Eagles broke away and began charging towards the Arsenal goal, creating a one-on-one with Wojciech Szczesny. It loomed as a superb chance for the Trotters before Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs sprinted impressively across forcing Eagles into an early shot and a routine save for Szczesny.

Fans and critics alike are voicing their distress over the summer departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, but little concern has risen over Gael Clichy's £7 million move to Manchester City. The Frenchman's departure appears a great transfer as, firstly, Clichy's form had been in rapid decline but also the opportunity it has presented Kieran Gibbs with.

The Englishman has the potential to become a world-class left-back and possibly emulate the renowned and former Arsenal star Ashley Cole. The 22-year-old has been criticized for his tentative defensive abilities, but in recent weeks has begun to impress both from attacking and defensive aspects.

The England international possesses immense speed and will only continue to grow in the coming months.

7. Theo Walcott Needs to Improve His Finishing

As always, Theo Walcott's pace was a huge threat and asset to the Gunners attack. Few defenders can sufficiently handle the Englishman's lethal combination of immense speed and balance. However, the 22-year-old failed to complement his bursts of pace due to poor finishing.

Walcott was guilty of missing some clear-cut chances which, at the time, would have successfully killed the game—a trait Arsenal have a tendency to lack. Last season was the former Southampton youth's most prolific as he tallied 13 goals throughout the season, but in order for the Englishman to adequately achieve world-renowned status, Walcott needs to become a more efficient presence.

The England international possesses the desire to enjoy a more central forward role for the Gunners rather than on the wing. However, until Walcott can improve his finishing, Wenger is unlikely to abide to the dynamo's wishes.

6. Gervinho Requires More Composure and Less Flair

Arsenal's marquee summer signing, Gervinho from OSC Lille for £10.5 million, has enjoyed an impressive start to English football. Despite a rash straight red on his debut for the Gunners, the Ivorian has responded strongly and adapted to English football with relative ease.

However, fans have had a tendency to become frustrated with the 24-year-old during matches as Gervinho is often guilty of wasting possession with acts of trickery or poor touches. There is no denying the Ivory Coast international's ability—Gervinho is quick, skilful and a lethal finisher alongside constant assistant, but in order to hugely thrive with the Gunners, more composure is required.

5. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker Can Be Very Strong Together

Arsenal also managed their third clean sheet of the Premier League season which will provide much needed confidence for the Arsenal defensive line. Centre-half duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny enjoyed a solid afternoon, thwarting the Bolton attacks with relative ease.

However, in truth Owen Coyle's men were not exactly hammering the pair with attacking moves. Nonetheless, the duo showed that they have the ability to form a strong and efficient defensive pairing if minor communication issues are eradicated.

Mertesacker, the £10 million deadline-day signing from Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen, has the height and power to provide aerial security whilst Koscielny continually shows impressive tenacity and speed. With time and experience, the pair will improve whilst defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen also will return to the squad in the coming weeks following an ankle complain.

4. Contract Talks Have to Begin Immediately

The last thing Arsenal fans want is a repeat of the recent summer, particularly the Samir Nasri saga. Arsene Wenger was forced to sell the French playmaker after the 24-year-old refused to extend on the last remaining year on his Arsenal contract.

Wenger refused to risk utilizing the talented midfielder in 2011-12 and then likely lose Nasri for free next season and promptly sold the former Marseille dynamo to Manchester City for £25 million.

The high-calibre trio of Theo Walcott, Alexandre Song and Robin van Persie will be enterting a similiar situation next summer and Manchester City have already declared their interest in van Persie whilst Song and Walcott should have no such trouble finding new clubs who can offer monumental salaries.

Wenger must ensure that contract discussions begin and are secured before the season closes —particularly as the three are the current backbone of the Gunners.

3. Bacary Sagna Is Irreplaceable

Once again, the ever-reliable and strong Bacary Sagna produced a typical performance in which was effective and efficient in both defence and attack yet failed to catch the eye or command praise. The Frenchman contained the dangerous Martin Petrov and continually provided an outlet in attack as he always does.

For five seasons now and 184 matches, the 28-year-old has been a consistent, dynamic and no-nonsense presence who rarely achieves the praise he deserves. There is no denying the calibre and dominance of one of world football's best right-backs and, in truth, Bacary Sagna is irreplaceable.

2. There Is Still a Long Way to Go

The Gunners now have two registered wins in the Premier League and sit 12th on the table. However, despite the win, it was still not the most convincing performance from Arsene Wenger's men. At times, the defensive line is still fragile and had David Wheather now received his red card, it is unlikely such second-half dominace would have emerged.

However, the squad will continue to adapt, with the new signings showing positive signs of adapting to the style of play and intensity of the English Premier League. Furthermore, the likes of Abou Diaby and Thomas Vermaelen will return after the international break whilst Jack Wilshere is scheduled to return in December.

Arsenal still have much work to do in order to regain their presence at the top part of the table, but also have many factors returning in their favour.

1. Robin Van Persie!

Robin van Persie! Robin van Persie!

The chant that was constant throughout the second half from the Arsenal fans as the Gunners captain delivered a scinillating performance. The Dutchman has performed impressively with the captain's armband, particularly strong considering the circumstances the North London giants found themselves in.

If the 28-year-old maintains fitness, then the Gunners possess a lethal attacking force and will be able to sufficiently challenge the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in matches. It is certain that if anyone's contract requires renewing, it is that of Robin van Persie.