WTTGT Writer:Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
BOLTON 0-0 ARSENAL
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Bolton at the Reebok Stadium as their failure to convert chances has seen them slip to seventh in the Barclays Premier League and they’ve failed to improve on their recent league form which has seen them pick up a solitary point since the turn of the year.
The Gunners made three changes to the team which came from behind to beat Aston Villa at the weekend with Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna and Mikel Arteta all returned to the starting line up in place of Lukasz Fabianski, Francis Coquelin and Tomas Rosicky.
After a positive start from the away side, Robin van Persie saw his 10th minute effort cleared of the line by David Wheater, the Arsenal captain was involved again a minute later when he found Aaron Ramsey who had made a smart run into the area, but the Welshman’s shot was straight at Adam Bogdan.
Szczensy was called into action on 20 minutes pulling off a smart save at his near post to deny David N’gog after the forward was too strong for Laurent Koscielny. The striker went close again moments later, reacting quickest to a flick-on in the penalty area but could only slot his effort wide of the post as the hosts began to pose some problems.
Theo Walcott spurned a great chance to give Arsenal the lead when he was clean through on goal but saw his effort saved by Bogdan. Both teams had chances in a lively first 45 minutes, but the teams went in goalless at the break.
On the hour mark van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went close for the gunners in quick succession firstly the Dutchman met a Sagna cross but was denied by the crossbar, the latter saw a stinging drive tipped over the bar by Bogdan.
Thierry Henry came on to replace Chamberlain as the visitors searched for the opening goal but it was his strike partner who almost put the gunners ahead after a moment of class from van Persie saw him chip the keeper but was again denied by the woodwork.
Bolton went close to snatching all three points in the dying minutes when Mark Davies burst into the area but was thwarted by the on rushing Szczensny who was lucky not have conceded a penalty, then Nigel Reo-Coker went close with an effort from the edge of the box.
The hosts finished the game the stronger as Arsenal will reflect on the missed chances, especially in the first half and will be disappointed at dropping more points in their quest to finish in the top four come May.
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