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Bolton 0-2 The Arse
Bolton 0-2 The Arse
Tuesday, 19th Jan 2010 09:44

Fabregas masks weaknesses to lead team to within reach of the top.

A fantastic match at the Reebok was yet another indication of the unpredictability of the Premier League with a team in the relegation zone providing impressive opposition. Bolton’s fans and players were energised by Owen Coyle’s arrival and it was a miracle that we kept a clean sheet. There was one player on the pitch who did clearly demonstrate the difference in class of the two teams though and that was Cesc Fabregas. After a subdued season last year the Spaniard has become absolutely world class and stands head and shoulders above every other player in the team, even Andrey Arshavin.

We have a number of very good players but all too often they struggle to find the decisive quality in the final third. Fabregas has now added this to his game and has the ability to know which decisions to make under pressure. His quick interplay with Eduardo gave us the lead mid-way through the half and, after many chances at both ends of the pitch, we had to wait until the 81st minute for the captain’s driving run that opened up the space for Eduardo to pick out Fran Merida who sealed the victory with a quality finish.

Wenger has stated that he is unsure where Merida’s future lies but with fresh injuries to Nasri and Ramsey, a run in the team now may persuade the Spaniard to sign a new contract in north London. He certainly has enough natural talent to become a success in the Premier League . He controlled Eduardo’s deflected cut back perfectly before directing the ball into the far corner of the net and it was the clinical finish that had eluded Bolton all afternoon.

Finishing proved beyond Eduardo too on this occasion but he is definitely improving and was on hand to provide two assists. The Croatian has clearly struggled to regain the form he had before his broken leg two seasons ago but injuries have forced Wenger’s hand and this extended run in the team can only be beneficial.

Another player who has profited from the injury crisis is Armand Traore but he has definitely failed to take advantage of his spell in the side. He looked completely out of his depth on Sunday and it is a shame that Clichy will walk straight back into the side on Wednesday. Craig Eastmond was also given an opportunity in defensive midfield but is obviously not quite ready for the Premiership and the pace seemed a little too intense for the youngster.

Diaby replaced Eastmond in that role early in the second half and he made a difference. Diaby is rapidly maturing and is discovering a discipline to his game that many thought was beyond him. Denilson may return tomorrow night to play in the defensive role but with Fabregas providing unrivalled quality further forward, Wenger may be best served deploying Diaby deeper in Song’s absence.

Walcott could also be available for the return fixture but Wenger will still be unable to rest Fabregas despite the tiredness he said he was feeling at the end of Sunday’s game. He is irreplaceable.

Photo: Action Images



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