Arsenal 4-2 Bolton
Cesc Fabregas scored Arsenal's equaliser as they recovered from an early two-goal deficit
Also In The News
|
By Darren Plant. |  |
Wednesday, 20, Jan 2010 10:04
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table for the first time this season after coming from two down to beat Bolton 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
Gary Cahill's close-range strike and a Matt Taylor penalty had given the struggling visitors a shock 2-0 lead in north London.
But Tomas Rosicky halved the Trotters' lead just before the break and further goals from Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Andrei Arshavin sealed a vital win for the Gunners as they leapfrogged Chelsea and Manchester United.
All the talk before the game was of Arsenal's surprising assault on the top of the table, but Cahill clearly hadn't read the script when he slotted home Kevin Davies' header down after some shambolic defending from the home side.
Arsenal looked to respond with long spells camped in their opponents' half but Taylor doubled the lead on 28 minutes when he converted from 12 yards after Denilson had brought down Chung-Yong Lee.
The home fans were stunned into silence, but Rosicky raised their spirits on 43 minutes, firing home from the edge of the area.
But the Gunners emerged after the break a different side and soon Fabregas had restored parity - slotting in from a tight angle.
Defender Vermaelen continued his excellent goalscoring record in his first season in England when his right-footed half-volley found the net from a corner.
And with five minutes to go Arshavin linked well with Eduardo to ensure all three points went to the hosts.
The resulting two-goal cushion meant Arsene Wenger's side not only went ahead of second-placed United but also overtook Chelsea on goals scored - albeit having played a game more than their London rivals.