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Phil Dawkes reports: “Arsenal’s title bid and their quest for silverware for another year is all but over. The aftermath will inevitably focus on Arsenal’s flaws, but credit also to Bolton, who matched the Gunners first half, dug in during the second and took their chance when it came.”
1848: Almost time for me to call it a day. Before I go, though, this is how our man Phil Dawkes saw events at the Reebok Stadium…
1845: I think I am pretty safe in saying that the Premier League will be won by either Manchester United or Chelsea, (and probably by the former) but Arsenal can still have a big say in where the title ends up. They host United on 1 May, with only pride to play for… and are sure to have a point to prove.
From another anonymous Arsenal fan, via text: “Re Bill at 1810. We have a solid-centre back, his name is Vermaelen. And oh how we’ve missed him. Imagine Chelsea without John Terry all year! Anyway, I think the issue is less about the players we have, who are quality, but their mentality, which is poor.”
1833: There is next to hope there will be any silverware this season, though. Arsenal are nine points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United with four games left. The closest they have come to a trophy is losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham.
More from Wenger, on mounting criticism of his approach: “If you can prove my principles are wrong, I am ready to change them all. Conceding a goal from a corner in the last minute is not enough to convince me.” And is there silverware to come from his side in the future? “There is. You will see, that is without a doubt. If there is someone to blame, it’s me. The players have been outstanding all season.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on his side’s last-gasp defeat at Bolton: “It is difficult to swallow the way we lost. We gave everything we had left today. We had chances to win it but didn’t take it and in the end we were caught in the way we feared today, from a corner. The week we have just had summed up our season – lots of quality in our game on Sunday, Wednesday and today but not enough rewards for our effort.” And on their title hopes: “Our chances are very minimal, that is for sure.”
1825: The debate as to what is wrong with Arsenal is continuing on 606 on BBC Radio 5 live. The common theme from fans at the moment? Arsene Wenger is too stubborn about his refusal to spend money.
From anonymous Arsenal fan, via text: “Re 1810. Wenger undoubtedly needs to make changes this summer. However, our play today was very good. No-one thinks Nasri should go, yet he missed the chances. Djourou has been immense all season, but was terrible today. Surely the issue is getting this team to win things, not dismantling them.”
From John in London, via text: “No excuses this time. We are not good enough! Full stop.”
Bolton boss Owen Coyle on his side’s battling display and last-gasp win over Arsenal: “I think everyone knows how bad we felt after the FA Cup semi-final and it was important we showed our character today – and we did that. We dealt Arsenal’s title hopes a big blow but more important for us was our performance. I think we showed the real Bolton Wanderers today and went a long way to putting the smile back on our fans’ faces.”
From Bill in Holloway, via text: “Need a keeper, we don’t buy one. Need a solid centre-back, we don’t buy one. Need a strong leader, we don’t have one. We have the funds, we don’t spend them. Need a manager who lives in reality, we don’t have one!! Welcome to Arsenal FC!”
1810: Arsene Wenger said this week that he does not need to make massive changes, will continue to rely on young players and will not be spending big this summer. I can’t help feeling the majority of Arsenal fans disagree with him.
From Dan from London, via text: “Not being funny but any other manager would’ve been sacked by now. I think Arsene is a good manager but surely enough is enough? Look at what happened with Mark Hughes, and Roy Hodgson. Six years without a trophy is not exactly confidence boosting, for players, managers or fans.”
1808: An emotional Tamir Cohen was interviewed after the final whistle, and showed again how much scoring Bolton’s late winner meant to him. I don’t think he was booked for that tribute to his father with his celebration, which shows there is still some common sense in football.
Bolton striker Daniel Sturridge after his side’s win over Arsenal: “After last week, we wanted to show the fans we had the passion to prove to them that was just one bad day. I have done my team Chelsea a favour today but I came out here to work for Bolton and their fans.”
1757: I’m not sure how Arsenal lost that game, given the amount of chances they had in the second half. That’s been the story of their season, though, hasn’t it? And their title challenge is all but over now.
1755: A stone-faced Arsene Wenger shakes Owen Coyle’s hand and exits down the tunnel, followed by the Gunners players. Jack Wilshere is the last to leave the pitch, after throwing his shirt to the Arsenal fans.
1754: FULL-TIME Bolton 2-1 Arsenal
1753: We are into the last minute of injury time and Bolton are still defending doggedly. Arsene Wenger is urging his men forwards, but his gestures look futile now.
1751: There will be five minutes of stoppage time… in which time Arsenal need to score two goals.
1749: GOALFLASH Bolton 2-1 Arsenal (Cohen)
1746: Another mix-up by the Gunners defence, and Johan Elmander would have finished Arsenal off if not for a great save by Wojciech Szczesny, who tips his shot round the post.
1747: Kevin Davies tries to capitalise on a loose ball across the Arsenal backline but only succeeds in catching Laurent Koscielny and getting himself booked.
1745: Arsene Wenger is even more animated than usual on the touchline, and the Arsenal fans behind Jussi Jaaskelainen’s goal are trying to will their side on too. Bolton are still holding out though, and they are defending for their lives. Five minutes of the 90 left. The Gunners need a hero, and fast.
1742: More changes by both sides. Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is replaced by Aaron Ramsey and Bolton bring on Tamir Cohen for Daniel Sturridge.
1741: Arsenal are back on the attack… and they know time is running out. The Gunners are even pumping balls into the Bolton box now, which shows their desperation.
1737: Arsene Wenger is getting frustrated too. He slams the ball into the ground when Bolton are awarded a debatable throw after it bounces out of play next to him. Temper, temper.
1736: Oh dear. Sami Nasri, again, fails to capitalise from a promising position. He latches on to a clipped ball over the top but tries to square it first-time for Marouane Chamakh rather than take a touch or go for goal himself. Bolton clear their lines.
1734: …Cesc Fabregas whips it in but Jussi Jaaskelainen punches clear. The pressure on the Bolton defence is immense.
1733: It’s all Arsenal now. Kevin Davies has to head clear from a corner, but the Gunners have a free-kick in a dangerous position out on the left when Gretar Steinsson fouls Andrey Arshavin…
1732: A couple of changes to tell you about. Andrey Arshavin replaces Theo Walcott for Arsenal, while Bolton have replaced Fabrice Muamba with Mark Davies.
1731: Tense times at the Reebok. Arsenal have got 20 minutes left to find a winner that will keep their season alive.
1730: It was Gary Cahill who got back to block on his own line… but here come Arsenal again. Marouane Chamakh opts to try to head the ball into the path of Samir Nasri rather than go for goal himself, and the ball eludes his team-mate.
1728: Wow. I don’t know how Arsenal aren’t ahead. Samir Nasri runs on to a Robin van Persie ball over the top but Jussi Jaaskelainen comes out quickly to block. The ball runs for Nasri again, but his second shot is blocked by a defender on the line.
1726: More possession by Arsenal but a promising move ends when Robin van Persie has a pop from distance… but drags his shot across the face of goal. There is an air of desperation about the Gunners when they come forward.
1723: Bolton are on the back-foot but always have the option of the ball up to Kevin Davies, which they are using to alleviate the pressure. Time for an Arsenal change, with Marouane Chamakh on for Alex Song.
1721: Bolton have more defending to do, with Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas seeing plenty of the ball just outside the home side’s area but eventually being crowded out of it. Still no more clear-cut chances for the Gunners, though.
1717: Half-an-hour left for Arsenal to find a winner – one point is not enough for them here. They have not done much since equalising, in truth, and the game has got an awful lot more scrappy in the last few minutes. Bolton are fighting hard.
1711: The Arsenal players are visibly lifted by that goal, and their fans are making all the noise at the Reebok. Surely even Zak (see 1617) must be getting excited now?
1708: GOALFLASH Bolton 1-1 Arsenal (Van Persie)
1706: MISSED PENALTY by Bolton (Szczesny saves from Davies)
1705: PENALTY to Bolton
1701: Credit where credit is due to Bolton – you can tell they had a point to prove after last weekend, and so far they have done exactly that. Surely we will see more from Arsenal after the break, though?
From Adam in Walton on Thames, via text: “United fan watching on here. Every time Arsenal take the lead I presume they’ll blow it – so expecting a Gunners comeback early on in the second half.”
Phil Dawkes’ HT snapshot “Arsenal’s title hopes are fading at the Reebok. They trail to Daniel Sturridge’s goal and are struggling to impose themselves. You’d expect the second half to see much more of the pressure the Gunners piled on in the final minutes of the first half.”
1649: The half-time whistle has gone at the Reebok. Arsenal have got 45 minutes to turn things around, or else their season is going to end with a whimper.
1647: Here’s a chance. Fabrice Muamba concedes a free-kick on the edge of the area and this is Robin van Persie territory. The Dutchman steps up to fire it goalwards… but sends the ball a mile over Jussi Jaaskelainen’s bar. Disappointing.
1646: Arsenal have upped the ante since going behind but that Cesc Fabregas shot remains their only effort on goal in that time. There will be two minutes of stoppage time for them to change that.
1643: Time to see what Arsenal are made of, then. Is it good news (sort of) that they are not trying to protect a lead this time?
1642: How long until Daniel Sturridge gets his first England call-up? It can’t be long…
1639: GOALFLASH Bolton 1-0 Arsenal (Sturridge)
1637: Theo Walcott is keeping Paul Robinson busy down the left, and once again gets a cross in too. It’s cleared but Arsenal are soon back on the ball… Gary Cahill loses it, and Samir Nasri fires in a rasping low shot that is only a couple of yards wide.
1633: I should point out that Arsenal did not stop probing forward during that flurry of Bolton chances, it’s just that the home side have had the better openings so far. One way or another, I can’t see this game staying goalless for long (so put your money on a 0-0!).
1631: Zak in London (below) is getting a LOT of reaction. I’ve only seen one Arsenal fan agree with him so far, though… out of a few dozen responses.
1629: A wobble for Wojciech Szczesny too. Gary Cahill spreads play to Matty Taylor out on the left and he whips in a super low cross that the Arsenal keeper fumbles. Luckily for him, there are no Bolton players in the right place to gobble up the loose ball. This is a great spell for the home side, but this game is still goalless with almost half an hour gone.
1626: Another chance goes begging for Bolton. This time the Gunners fail to clear, and the ball falls for Matty Taylor on the edge of the area… but his shot does not test Wojciech Szczesny.
1625: A HUGE let-off for the Gunners here. Daniel Sturridge splits the Arsenal defence with a precise pass and Chung-Yong Lee is charging through on goal… but decides to try a fancy flick inside for Kevin Davies rather than go for goal himself. Arsenal clear.
From Zak in London, via text: “I’m an Arsenal fan but I want Bolton to win today. Wenger simply needs to stop making excuses and start to deliver some long overdue silverware. Time to change policies Mr Wenger – have a clear-out and spend some money!”
1617: Chances at both ends. Firstly Gretar Steinsson sends over a tempting cross that Kevin Davies is unable to convert at the near post. Then, Arsenal pour forward and Jussi Jaaskelainen does brilliantly to push a sweet Cesc Fabregas shot round his post. Lots happening, but no goals yet.
1615: Bolton’s best attack so far, a sweeping move started by Daniel Sturridge in his own half. He feeds Johan Elmander, who finds Chung-Yong Lee on the right. Kevin Davies cannot quite get on the end of Lee’s cross but Wanderers are not done yet, and Sturridge gets forward to fire in a shot. Just a shame he is offside.
1613: Robin van Persie wants another booking, when Kevin Davies clatters Alex Song. No yellow card this time, though, despite it being a far worse challenge. Don’t you just love consistency from referees?
1610: Bolton are trying to find Kevin Davies at every opportunity but are not having much joy with the direct ball. Arsenal are having rather more joy with their efforts to make the most of Theo Walcott’s pace.
1608: A penalty shout for Arsenal too, when Theo Walcott is brought down by Matty Taylor (I think). Taylor definitely doesn’t get any of the ball, and plenty of the man. But referee Mike Jones waves away his appeals.
1605: Our first chance, and it goes to Arsenal. Cesc Fabregas frees Theo Walcott, who fires in a shot from the right-hand side of the box that Jussi Jaaskelainen cannot hold. Samir Nasri is first to the loose ball, but his shot is blocked.
1603: Both sides are just finding their feet in the first couple of minutes, and they have both had decent spells of possession without creating any openings. The pitch at the Reebok is half in the shade and half in sunlight, which is annoying me already.
From Carl in Cardiff, via text: “I’ve been emotionally pulled apart several times by Arsenal this season and not sure how much more I can take. One final push lads.”
1559: Is anyone hoping Arsenal win, apart from Gunners fans?
1557: The players emerge from the tunnels (there are two) at the Reebok. That means kick-off is just moments away.
1548: By the way, you can listen to live commentary from the Reebok on BBC Radio 5 live (if you’re in the UK). Just give this page a manual refresh and you’re away…
From another anonymous Bolton fan, via text: “It was an ‘I was there’ moment last Sunday for the Super Whites, just not the memory I was expecting. We’ve all licked our wounds, expecting a good performance today at a sold-out Reebok. White Army!”
1533: I was at Wembley last Sunday and it wasn’t pretty from Bolton’s point of view. In fact, I’m not sure how even Owen Coyle could take anything positive away from the day – and he is the most enthusiastic and optimistic manager in the Premier League. The important thing for them is that they don’t feel sorry for themselves, and I can’t see Coyle letting that happen.
From anonymous Bolton fan, via text: “It’s a tough ask for the lads to ask then to banish last weeks Wembley nightmare against this Arsenal side. As long as they show they still have some fight I’ll be happy. Last Sunday was an unfortunate situation where the nature of the event got to all 11 of our players instead of just one or two. Think Owen has missed a trick by not including Mark Davies in today’s starting XI though.”
BOLTON v ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Phil Dawkes reports: “In-form striker Daniel Sturridge returns to Bolton’s starting line-up after having being cup-tied for the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Stoke last Sunday. He replaces Ivan Klasnic, who drops to the bench. The only other change for Wanderers sees Matthew Taylor come into midfield in place of Martin Petrov. Arsenal make one change from Wednesday’s 3-3 draw at Tottenham, with former Bolton loanee Jack Wilshere, who impressed during his stint with Wanderers last season, coming back into the midfield in place of Abou Diaby.”
Bolton boss Owen Coyle on how his side hope to respond to last weekend’s disastrous FA Cup semi-final defeat by Stoke: “He said: “I don’t want any of the supporters to think that after the game the players didn’t think about the match or they weren’t hurt or disappointed. Of course they were. It was a great opportunity but it’s passed us by and we can’t affect that now. What we can affect is what’s to come. The target is the same as last year, to finish as high up the table as we can. As horrible as last Sunday was, I wished there was a game on the Monday. There wasn’t and we’ve had to wait a week and now we have to make sure that when it comes about we’re ready to go.”
Bolton v Arsenal line-ups
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson, Lee, Elmander, Muamba, Taylor, Sturridge, Kevin Davies. Subs: Bogdan, Petrov, Mark Davies, Klasnic, Moreno, Cohen, Wheater.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri, van Persie. Subs: Lehmann, Ramsey, Squillaci, Arshavin, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh.
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)
1515: BREAKING TEAM NEWS FROM THE REEBOK STADIUM
Arsenal’s only change is Jack Wilshere’s return, in place of Abou Diaby, after the England midfielder was rested for Wednesday’s trip to White Hart Lane. For Bolton, Matt Taylor and Daniel Sturridge are back in Owen Coyle’s starting XI. More on all of this very shortly.
BOLTON v ARSENAL (1600 BST)
Phil Dawkes reports: “Last Wednesday’s north London derby draw was a belter for the neutral, but represented another two precious points dropped by Arsenal. After wins for Manchester United and Chelsea yesterday, the requirement is simple for Arsene Wenger’s side: they either win against Bolton or their title-challenge is all but over. The odds are stacked in the Gunners favour, having won the last eight matches against a Wanderers side still reeling from their 5-0 drubbing by Stoke in the FA Cup semi-final. But Owen Coyle has in-form on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge available again and ready to strike a blow, not only for his temporary team but also for parent club Chelsea.”
1501: Hmmmm. Should we assume that Arsene hasn’t glanced at a league table for a while then? Arsenal might be on a 15-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, and leaders Manchester United might still have to come to the Emirates but there are, ahem, a couple of reasons why people have already been asking him to explain why Arsenal have failed this season. Firstly, the fact that, even if they beat Bolton (KO 1600 BST) today, the Gunners will still be six points behind United with four games to go… and also their run of only one win from their last five league games since they crashed out of Europe and the FA Cup, which has seen Chelsea move above them into second spot.
1452: So, is this the day that the door finally slams shut on Arsenal’s title hopes… or the start of their extraordinary late surge for glory? I wonder what Gunners boss Arsene Wenger thinks…