We started slowly, with Bolton applying the early pressure, but we were still unlucky to go behind, when a deflection sat the ball up in front of Nolan who produced a great finish to beat Lehmann.
We went forward rarely in the first half, but came out much better in the second and only a fine string of saves from Jussi Jaaskelainen stopped us from getting the equaliser earlier. Eventually we found the net with a superb Gilberto volley, and even had an effort cleared off the line after that, but the three points just eluded us.
One point that left a taste of sour grapes was the performance of the referee. That was the most one sided performance I have seen since Riley at Old Trafford last year. He seemed to determined not to give us anything, and let things go that he shouldn't have done. There were two clearly wrong decisions in the first half for my money; the Reyes penalty incident, and Faye staying on the field having snapped Jose's leg in half.
But onwards and upwards, let's just try and get something fro the game at Anfield.
Jens Lehmann (7) Much like Birmingham last weekend, his early saves saw us through a tough opening spell.
Sebastian Larsson (7) Found it tough early on, but he grew into the game.
Philippe Senderos (7) Played well, continuing his recent good form.
Johan Djourou (7) Another fine display from a highly talented defender.
Mathieu Flamini (6) Like Faye, he should have seen red for a horror challenge.
Jose Reyes (7) Played well until he was cruelly injured.
Abou Diaby (6) A drop from his last game, but still did well
Gilberto (5) I'm afraid a great goal can't cover up a poor display. Did he complete a pass?
Cesc Fabregas (6) Helped us drive forward in the second half.
Emmanuel Adebayour (6) Deserved a goal for his efforts.
Thierry Henry (6) He wasn't really at the races today.
Subs:
Robert Pires (7) Like the Pires of old. He was unlucky not to score two wonder goals.
Freddie Ljungberg (6) Didn't have too much of an impact on the game.
Dennis Bergkamp (4) Had no impact on the game.