Actually, before Tomas Rosicky's equaliser our best chances were from a hoof upfield and set-pieces so perhaps Wenger has taken a leaf from Allardyce's book. Normal service was resumed as Fabregas's excellent strike preceded a masterclass of passing football and incompetent finishing. La plus ca change…
Jens Lehmann - 7 - Could be blamed for failing to deal with Nolan's header for the goal but was left horribly exposed by the defence. What is clear, though, is how much we will miss his excellent, quick distribution if the German is to leave us at the end of the season.
Emmanuel Eboue - 7 - Did well against Diouf and fewer histrionics than normal.
Gael Clichy - 7 - Shaky opening but was soon back to his excellent self, giving no quarter in battles with Bolton's much bigger players.
Kolo Toure - 6 - Failed to deal with a routine free kick that led to Bolton's goal but played a huge role in our fightback and even got a shot on target.
William Gallas - 7 - Anelka seemed to be causing him problems in the first 30mins but Gallas stepped up a gear and cruised through the rest of the match.
Alexander Hleb - 6 - A sweeping crossfield pass to put Eboue away on the right was followed by Helb putting a simple 5-yard pass out of play. So frustrating at times, but when we are playing at top of our high-tempo game, he is luxury we can afford.
Cesc Fabregas - 8 - According to Kevin Nolan (8 yellows and 1 red card this season), young Cesc needs to control his temper, but it is feisty nature that has allowed the 19-year-old to make his mark in the English game as much as his undoubted skills. The only change we want from him is goals such as his winner on Saturday on a more regular basis.
Gilberto Silva - 7 - Vital in dealing with the physical threat of Davies's elbows, but was unable to get forward as he has in recent games. On second thoughts that might not have been a bad thing.
Tomas Rosicky - 7 - A goal poached a la Pires, you might say (though Bobby would have done it with more style and less physical contact) and a lively performance. Can't wait until he settles into English football.
Emmanuel Adebayor - 7 - His all-round play was magnificent and a great assist for Tomas's goal but yet again missed a golden chance that came his way.
Freddie Ljungberg - 8 - Our pretty version of Andy Johnson buzzed around with real menace even causing Bolton's man-mountains (or should that be men-mountains) to panic under a high ball as he set up Ade's chance. Probably injured again now.
Substitutes:
Abou Diaby - 6 - Not a forward judging by his finishing but showed good strength to hold off… um the Beast.
Julio Baptista - 4 - At one point turned attack into defence with a mis-control that was spectacular even by his standards.
Philippe Senderos - n/a - A defensive substitute left on the bench as we clung on to a narrow lead. Doesn't look good for Big Phil.