The difference between the two teams was not that Arsenal had more luck, but Fabregas. When Fabregas got his chance he buried it and with it Bolton's chance of getting anything from the game. Yes it was not entirely safe until Arsenal got the second, but Bolton were never going to score a first. They might have had chances but their shooting was dismal. Almunia had to make a few saves, but none of them were that difficult.

Talking of deserve Fabregas had a very good shout for a penalty against the Bolton goalie turned down. Action replays seemed to confirm he was right. If that had been given then the Trotters would have been out of it earlier.

Wenger's squad is now down the bare bones, I doubt if he would have started with Eastmond if Denilson, Nasri or Ramsey were available. Eastmond did reasonably well, but tired early in a game played at a frantic cup tie pace. I have to confess my heart sank when Merida came on, but within 15 minutes of coming on his assured shot for 2-0 put the game beyond Bolton.

Bolton managed to play at a frantic pace for the full 90 minutes; they also tried to bully Arsenal out of the game. It didn't work, Arsenal might not have played their best football but they did grind out a victory, and that's what counts.

It was fortunate that Almunia had one of his best games in a long time, he did a lot right, and got the ball at corners. Traore had a torrid time on the left and must have been grateful when Clichy was put on to shore up that side. The rest of the defence was solid enough.

It is stating the obvious that Arsenal are missing Song, but that fact probably explains why our defence looked a little shaky, but they did keep a clean sheet. Some might dispute that Arshavin, Eduardo and Rosicky had a good game, but without a striker they had to toil hard to keep the ball moving into the danger area. Combined with Fabregas they provided enough chances to get the job done.

Diaby covered a lot of ground, but never threatened the goal. Fabregas was fantastic. I just hope that the lame start to walk pretty quickly; or our fate could be decided in Africa. Clearly we can beat Bolton with a limited availability of midfielders, and no striker, but Villa and Chelsea away will be a different matter.

I was looking to Song returning early, but Zambia messed up, so now it all rests on Tunisia. Would it be ethical to nobble the Cameroon team?

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