Nike has been the sponsors of the official Premier League football for 10 years and this weekend sees a special milestone.
The 10,000th Premier League goal using Nike's ball will be scored and to mark the occasion, the player who nets it will be awarded a special golden Nike football.
Ipswich Town's Mark Venus grabbed the first Nike football Premier League goal on the opening day of the season at Tottenham Hotspur in August 2000.
Since then the ball has been responsible for some amazing Premier League goals scored by the world's finest strikers. Here we pick out some of the best.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
The Dutch ace finished the first Premier League season of the Nike football in 2000/1 as the division's top scorer. Chelsea's striker found the net 23 times in 35 league appearances and memorable strikes included a volley from outside the penalty box against Manchester United and four goals against Coventry City. He impressed again during the following campaign with 23 goals and was a regular scorer during the next two years before a successful move to Middlesbrough.
Thierry Henry
Legendary Arsenal forward is one of the finest players to have graced the Premier League. Helping Arsenal to the Premier League title in 2002 and again in the unbeaten 'Invincibles' season of 2004, he finished as top scorer in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. His strike against West Ham United in February 2006 brought his league goal tally to 151 to smash Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin's league goals record. He is third in the all-time Premier League scoring list with 174 goals.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy's 25 goals for Manchester United over the 2002/3 campaign helped the Red Devils claim the Premier League trophy. The Dutchman was a prolific scorer during his five years at Old Trafford and notched an incredible 95 goals in 150 league appearances.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba enjoyed his best season in front of goal in 2009/10 by netting 29 times with the Nike ball as Chelsea claimed another Premier League title. Since Jose Mourhino brough the Ivorian to the club, Drogba has played a key role in Chelsea's three Premier League crowns, winning the Golden Boot in 2007 and 2009 and has amassed 89 goals in 171 league appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's lit up the Premier League with his skillful wing play and a number of thrilling goals. He topped the Premier League scoring charts in 2008 with an unbelievable 31 strikes to shatter his previous season's haul of 17 and clinch a second successive Premier League title. Season 2008/9 saw the Portugal international score 18 times in another glorious title-winning season.
Nicolas Anelka
The Frenchman has been banging in the goals wherever he has played in the Premier League and current holders Chelsea are benefiting from his goal-scoring prowess. The former Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers player scored 11 times last season to help the Blues claim title success. His busiest season in front of goal was 2008/9 when he won the Golden Boot and he has notched 33 goals overall for the Stamford Bridge club.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene as the world's most expensive teenager and he plundered 17 goals in 43 appearances in his first season. Since then, finding the net has never been a problem for the England international and his strikes have played a major role in United's Premier League title wins of 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Alan Shearer
The former England shotshot is the Premier League's record goalscorer with an amazing 260 goals. Shearer netted 148 league goals for the Magpies after a world record £15m signing from Blackburn Rovers to fufill the dream of playing for his boyhood club. "The Goal Machine" grabbed his 200th Premier League goal against Charlton Athletic in April 2002 at St James' Park and was the first player to reach that milestone.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor had three goal-crazy seasons with Arsenal where he established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League's most fearsome strikers. His best goal return came in 2007/8 when he banged in 24 goals for the Gunners. A strong, quick striker, Adebayor sealed a big move to Manchester City last year and fired in 14 goals in his debut season.
Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres scored 33 goals in his first campaign to beat Ruud van Nistelrooy's haul and become the most prolific foreign debutant in English football. He was also the Reds' first player, since Robbie Fowler in 1996, to score more than 20 league goals in a season. The player nicknamed El Nino has played a key role in Liverpool's challenge for the Barclays Premier League title. Strong in the air, and quick on the deck, Torres has all the attributes of a top class Premier League striker. Has hit the net 139 times in 298 league appearances at Anfield.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Stoke City 1 vs Arsenal 3
| Scorer: Pugh (7) | Scorer: Bendtner (32) Scorer: Fabregas (90 pen.) Scorer: Vermaelen (90) |
| Attendance: 27,011 | FT (19:27) |
A horrific injury to Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey overshadowed a last-gasp win over Stoke City that hauled the Gunners firmly into the Barclays Premier League title race on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old midfielder appeared to break his ankle after a red-card challenge from Ryan Shawcross that had echoes of team-mate Eduardo's own bad injury two years ago.
Stoke had led early on from a Danny Pugh goal but Nicklas Bendtner levelled before Cesc Fabregas struck a last-minute penalty and Thomas Vermaelen added another in injury time.
Arsenal's win lifted them to within three points of leaders Chelsea and ended Stoke's 11-match unbeaten run, but it is Ramsey's injury that will grab the headlines.
Shawcross appeared to be in tears when he left the field and a number of other players were clearly upset by the incident.
Arsenal had begun the match by handing veteran Sol Campbell his first Barclays Premier League start since rejoining the club last month.
Partnering Vermaelen, the former England defender was expected to have plenty of Rory Delap throws - a recent Arsenal weakness - to deal with and it was not long before they were tested.
Having been undone by the Irishman's potent weapon on their previous two visits, the trepidation amongst the back line was obvious as Delap lined up his first throw after four minutes.
It was probably much to their relief that Mamady Sidibe headed wide from a long throw close to Tony Pulis' technical area, but they were to be examined again soon enough.
That Arsenal had not learned from previous experience was clear as Alex Song's natural instinct to put the ball out for a throw rather than concede a corner kicked in.
That allowed Delap to launch another missile from level with the six-yard box.
serious opportunity
Delap picked out Shawcross with a flat delivery and the defender's glancing header allowed the onrushing Pugh, just onside, to nod in at the far post.
Delap continued to bombard the Arsenal penalty area at every opportunity, from right and left, but the Londoners managed to clear the next three throws, albeit uncomfortably, without further damage.
It took 25 minutes for Arsenal to muster an effort on goal, Fabregas controlling a bouncing ball yards out and forcing Thomas Sorensen to concede a corner.
That allowed Arsenal to settle and they finally began to win some possession in a congested midfield.
They equalised after 31 minutes with a clever throw-in routine of their own.
Bacary Sagna went short to allow Fabregas to cross from the right and his pinpoint delivery was met by a looping header across goal from Bendtner 10 yards out.
Arsenal controlled the rest of the first half but had only one serious opportunity when Fabregas fired a free-kick into the wall.
The ball found its way out to Gael Clichy but the left-back's low shot was straight at Sorensen.
Delap troubled Arsenal again with another throw but Walton spotted an infringement in the area.
Emmanuel Eboue went close to giving Arsenal the lead with a fierce drive from outside the area just after the hour but Sorensen tipped over.
That proved the last meaningful action before the incident that completely changed the complexion of the match.
emotional celebrations
Play was held up for five minutes after Ramsey's ankle buckled under contact from Shawcross, who had taken a heavy touch and stretched for the ball.
Other players showed immediate concern and waved for immediate attention.
Arsenal did well to summon some fighting spirit after Ramsey's loss with Tomas Rosicky firing wide when well placed.
Substitute Eduardo, just over two years after his own injury nightmare, then spurned an even greater opportunity when he broke into the area and shot into the side-netting.
Persistence paid off and Arsenal were given the chance to snatch victory when Bendtner's flick into the area was handled by Pugh.
Fabregas stepped up to squeeze a low spot-kick into the bottom corner and spark emotional celebrations.
Arsenal added a third during seven minutes of injury time as Sorensen parried a Rosicky shot and Eduardo squared for Vermaelen.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Arsenal 1 - Liverpool 0
Arsenal 1
Liverpool 0
Scorer: Diaby (71)
Attendance: 60,045 FT (21:41)
Arsenal breathed new life into their Barclays Premier League title hopes with a narrow win over Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
Abou Diaby finally got the breakthrough on 72 minutes, when he headed in Tomas Rosicky's cross as the Gunners bounced back from successive defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Gunners escaped on five minutes when a free-kick bobbled alarmingly around the six-yard box before Manuel Almunia gathered.
At the other end, William Gallas headed over.
Liverpool remained patient, although David Ngog snatched at his shot after working some space at the edge of the Arsenal area.
Samir Nasri's low ball in from the right was cut out by Martin Skrtel, as Bendtner arrived behind him through the six-yard box.
The Dane was then played in by Andrey Arshavin, but shot over.
more urgency
Arsenal were having a decent spell, with Nasri's shot charged down by Emiliano Insua.
The Argentina defender then saw his goalbound effort deflect off Thomas Vermaelen.
On 34 minutes, Nasri, who earlier appeared to take a blow to the side of his face, was replaced by Rosicky.
Neither side were able to make the most of some promising build-up play as the first half drew to a close.
Arsenal, though, had more urgency following the restart, as Arshavin drilled the ball into the side-netting.
At the other end, Lucas Leiva drilled his angled shot over after being played into the right side of the Arsenal penalty area by Dirk Kuyt.
Steven Gerrard's determination released Ngog down the middle, but Gallas recovered to make a brilliant saving tackle just inside the 18-yard box.
Rosicky's touch was then too heavy after the Czech Republic winger was put clear down the left channel by Arshavin.
penalty claim
Bendtner's deft chip almost crept over the line after Jose Reina could only make a partial save, but Daniel Agger cleared.
Arshavin missed his kick when arriving at pace in the penalty area to meet Gael Clichy's cross, with Rosicky blasting the loose ball over.
Arsenal made the breakthrough after 72 minutes, when Diaby arrived on cue at the far post to head in Rosicky's right-wing cross.
Liverpool felt they had a strong penalty claim when Gerrard went down under a mass of red shirts, appearing to be blocked by Diaby, but the referee waved play on.
The visitors almost snatched an equaliser with four minutes left, but Almunia tipped a dipping drive from substitute Babel onto the crossbar.
In stoppage time, a dubious free-kick from Gerrard appeared to strike Cesc Fabregas on the hand, but referee Webb was not interested.
Liverpool 0
Scorer: Diaby (71)
Attendance: 60,045 FT (21:41)
Arsenal breathed new life into their Barclays Premier League title hopes with a narrow win over Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
Abou Diaby finally got the breakthrough on 72 minutes, when he headed in Tomas Rosicky's cross as the Gunners bounced back from successive defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Gunners escaped on five minutes when a free-kick bobbled alarmingly around the six-yard box before Manuel Almunia gathered.
At the other end, William Gallas headed over.
Liverpool remained patient, although David Ngog snatched at his shot after working some space at the edge of the Arsenal area.
Samir Nasri's low ball in from the right was cut out by Martin Skrtel, as Bendtner arrived behind him through the six-yard box.
The Dane was then played in by Andrey Arshavin, but shot over.
more urgency
Arsenal were having a decent spell, with Nasri's shot charged down by Emiliano Insua.
The Argentina defender then saw his goalbound effort deflect off Thomas Vermaelen.
On 34 minutes, Nasri, who earlier appeared to take a blow to the side of his face, was replaced by Rosicky.
Neither side were able to make the most of some promising build-up play as the first half drew to a close.
Arsenal, though, had more urgency following the restart, as Arshavin drilled the ball into the side-netting.
At the other end, Lucas Leiva drilled his angled shot over after being played into the right side of the Arsenal penalty area by Dirk Kuyt.
Steven Gerrard's determination released Ngog down the middle, but Gallas recovered to make a brilliant saving tackle just inside the 18-yard box.
Rosicky's touch was then too heavy after the Czech Republic winger was put clear down the left channel by Arshavin.
penalty claim
Bendtner's deft chip almost crept over the line after Jose Reina could only make a partial save, but Daniel Agger cleared.
Arshavin missed his kick when arriving at pace in the penalty area to meet Gael Clichy's cross, with Rosicky blasting the loose ball over.
Arsenal made the breakthrough after 72 minutes, when Diaby arrived on cue at the far post to head in Rosicky's right-wing cross.
Liverpool felt they had a strong penalty claim when Gerrard went down under a mass of red shirts, appearing to be blocked by Diaby, but the referee waved play on.
The visitors almost snatched an equaliser with four minutes left, but Almunia tipped a dipping drive from substitute Babel onto the crossbar.
In stoppage time, a dubious free-kick from Gerrard appeared to strike Cesc Fabregas on the hand, but referee Webb was not interested.
Almunia accepts Gunners criticism
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia says Arsenal deserve to be criticised for their struggle in challenging for the title.
Arsene Wenger's team saw their Barclays Premier League title hopes rekindled following Wednesday's 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as both leaders Chelsea, beaten at Everton, and Manchester United, who drew at Aston Villa, dropped points.
While there is still plenty of hard work ahead for the Gunners to remain in contention, Wenger can take heart from his team's apparent easier run from now on - having lost to both United and Chelsea before completing the double over fourth-placed Liverpool.
Almunia - who made a fine late save by pushing Ryan Babel's strike onto the crossbar to secure three points - accepts Arsenal have not delivered on the promise of previous campaigns, the last trophy being the 2005 FA Cup.
refocus attention
However, the 32-year-old Spaniard feels their time will come.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title," said Almunia.
"The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well.
"We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time. Against Chelsea we played well, but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost.
"There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically, but personally - little things that we have to show more."
Wenger's faith in his young team has never wavered, even in the face of some fierce opposition.
The Arsenal manager has called upon the squad to maintain that self belief as they look to produce a strong finish to the campaign.
The Gunners will have a weekend off as they are no longer in the FA Cup, before a return to Champions League action at Porto next Wednesday night when Croatia striker Eduardo could be back from a hamstring problem, while Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri will also undergo treatment after picking up knocks against Liverpool.
Almunia revealed how a frank team meeting helped refocus attention.
"We were talking about our last two games and we said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch," the Arsenal keeper said.
winning ways
"It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"We talked more with the players individually because they are young.
"They are mature, but they need to be told things clearly.
"When I was younger, the most experienced player would sometimes tell me about things.
"I was talking to William Gallas, Sol Campbell and the others - everyone was helping each other and it is a good attitude."
Despite Arsenal getting back to winning ways after taking just one point from the previous three matches, Almunia accepts their fate is now out of their hands.
"If we are still in the title race, it is because the other teams didn't win," he said.
"We will, though, be back in the race if we win three or four games in a row."
Arsene Wenger's team saw their Barclays Premier League title hopes rekindled following Wednesday's 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as both leaders Chelsea, beaten at Everton, and Manchester United, who drew at Aston Villa, dropped points.
While there is still plenty of hard work ahead for the Gunners to remain in contention, Wenger can take heart from his team's apparent easier run from now on - having lost to both United and Chelsea before completing the double over fourth-placed Liverpool.
Almunia - who made a fine late save by pushing Ryan Babel's strike onto the crossbar to secure three points - accepts Arsenal have not delivered on the promise of previous campaigns, the last trophy being the 2005 FA Cup.
refocus attention
However, the 32-year-old Spaniard feels their time will come.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title," said Almunia.
"The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well.
"We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time. Against Chelsea we played well, but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost.
"There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically, but personally - little things that we have to show more."
Wenger's faith in his young team has never wavered, even in the face of some fierce opposition.
The Arsenal manager has called upon the squad to maintain that self belief as they look to produce a strong finish to the campaign.
The Gunners will have a weekend off as they are no longer in the FA Cup, before a return to Champions League action at Porto next Wednesday night when Croatia striker Eduardo could be back from a hamstring problem, while Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri will also undergo treatment after picking up knocks against Liverpool.
Almunia revealed how a frank team meeting helped refocus attention.
"We were talking about our last two games and we said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch," the Arsenal keeper said.
winning ways
"It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"We talked more with the players individually because they are young.
"They are mature, but they need to be told things clearly.
"When I was younger, the most experienced player would sometimes tell me about things.
"I was talking to William Gallas, Sol Campbell and the others - everyone was helping each other and it is a good attitude."
Despite Arsenal getting back to winning ways after taking just one point from the previous three matches, Almunia accepts their fate is now out of their hands.
"If we are still in the title race, it is because the other teams didn't win," he said.
"We will, though, be back in the race if we win three or four games in a row."
Almunia accepts Gunners criticism
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia says Arsenal deserve to be criticised for their struggle in challenging for the title.
Arsene Wenger's team saw their Barclays Premier League title hopes rekindled following Wednesday's 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as both leaders Chelsea, beaten at Everton, and Manchester United, who drew at Aston Villa, dropped points.
While there is still plenty of hard work ahead for the Gunners to remain in contention, Wenger can take heart from his team's apparent easier run from now on - having lost to both United and Chelsea before completing the double over fourth-placed Liverpool.
Almunia - who made a fine late save by pushing Ryan Babel's strike onto the crossbar to secure three points - accepts Arsenal have not delivered on the promise of previous campaigns, the last trophy being the 2005 FA Cup.
refocus attention
However, the 32-year-old Spaniard feels their time will come.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title," said Almunia.
"The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well.
"We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time. Against Chelsea we played well, but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost.
"There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically, but personally - little things that we have to show more."
Wenger's faith in his young team has never wavered, even in the face of some fierce opposition.
The Arsenal manager has called upon the squad to maintain that self belief as they look to produce a strong finish to the campaign.
The Gunners will have a weekend off as they are no longer in the FA Cup, before a return to Champions League action at Porto next Wednesday night when Croatia striker Eduardo could be back from a hamstring problem, while Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri will also undergo treatment after picking up knocks against Liverpool.
Almunia revealed how a frank team meeting helped refocus attention.
"We were talking about our last two games and we said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch," the Arsenal keeper said.
winning ways
"It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"We talked more with the players individually because they are young.
"They are mature, but they need to be told things clearly.
"When I was younger, the most experienced player would sometimes tell me about things.
"I was talking to William Gallas, Sol Campbell and the others - everyone was helping each other and it is a good attitude."
Despite Arsenal getting back to winning ways after taking just one point from the previous three matches, Almunia accepts their fate is now out of their hands.
"If we are still in the title race, it is because the other teams didn't win," he said.
"We will, though, be back in the race if we win three or four games in a row."
Arsene Wenger's team saw their Barclays Premier League title hopes rekindled following Wednesday's 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium as both leaders Chelsea, beaten at Everton, and Manchester United, who drew at Aston Villa, dropped points.
While there is still plenty of hard work ahead for the Gunners to remain in contention, Wenger can take heart from his team's apparent easier run from now on - having lost to both United and Chelsea before completing the double over fourth-placed Liverpool.
Almunia - who made a fine late save by pushing Ryan Babel's strike onto the crossbar to secure three points - accepts Arsenal have not delivered on the promise of previous campaigns, the last trophy being the 2005 FA Cup.
refocus attention
However, the 32-year-old Spaniard feels their time will come.
"We accept all the critics. Arsenal is a big club and we deserve to be criticised because we have been playing for many years without fighting for the title," said Almunia.
"The team is growing up and everybody accepts it because we cannot say anything when we don't play well.
"We just go home and wait for the next game so we can win.
"Against United we were not on our game at any time. Against Chelsea we played well, but as soon as we switched off a bit, we lost.
"There are small points we need to improve, not technically or tactically, but personally - little things that we have to show more."
Wenger's faith in his young team has never wavered, even in the face of some fierce opposition.
The Arsenal manager has called upon the squad to maintain that self belief as they look to produce a strong finish to the campaign.
The Gunners will have a weekend off as they are no longer in the FA Cup, before a return to Champions League action at Porto next Wednesday night when Croatia striker Eduardo could be back from a hamstring problem, while Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri will also undergo treatment after picking up knocks against Liverpool.
Almunia revealed how a frank team meeting helped refocus attention.
"We were talking about our last two games and we said to each other that it is not possible not to show character on the pitch," the Arsenal keeper said.
winning ways
"It is not possible for a team who want to be top of the table.
"We talked more with the players individually because they are young.
"They are mature, but they need to be told things clearly.
"When I was younger, the most experienced player would sometimes tell me about things.
"I was talking to William Gallas, Sol Campbell and the others - everyone was helping each other and it is a good attitude."
Despite Arsenal getting back to winning ways after taking just one point from the previous three matches, Almunia accepts their fate is now out of their hands.
"If we are still in the title race, it is because the other teams didn't win," he said.
"We will, though, be back in the race if we win three or four games in a row."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Walcott not a worry for Wenger
Walcott has suffered numerous injury setbacks this season, with back, knee, hamstring and rib problems limiting him to just five first-team starts for the Gunners.
The 20-year-old played in the 3-1 FA Cup defeat by Stoke City last month and was a second-half substitute as Arsenal succumbed to Manchester United by the same score last Sunday in the Barclays Premier League.
"What you can't expect from Walcott at the moment is what he cannot give you.
"He needs some time to play and come back to full fitness. He has only played a few games this season.
"If he stays injury-free now, he will have a good end of season. But at the moment he is not completely himself."
question mark
Walcott will be included in the squad for Sunday's crucial Barclays Premier League encounter with Chelsea, but his fellow striker Eduardo has been ruled out.
The Croatia marksman has failed to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained in the goalless draw with Aston Villa last week.
Midfielder Abou Diaby could return from the calf problem that has kept him sidelined since mid January as the Gunners attempt to nudge their title challenge back on track.
"Diaby is not yet back in normal training," Wenger said.
"He progresses very well but we will still have to wait until Saturday. He is a maybe. Eduardo is already ruled out."
"Theo Walcott is back and available so Diaby is the only question mark we have. All the others are longer term injuries."
Wenger has confirmed that Robin van Persie is not expected to recover from his foot injury until April after a report had stated the Dutchman might be available by mid March.
"For Robin, the rehabilitation is going well but anything before April would be a little bit premature," he said.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Arsenal 4 vs 2 Bolton
Arsenal 4 Bolton Wanderers 2
Scorer: Cahill (6)
Scorer: Taylor (27 pen.)
Scorer: Rosicky (43)
Scorer: Fabregas (52)
Scorer: Vermaelen (64)
Scorer: Arshavin (85)
Attendance: 59,084 FT (21:45)
Arsenal stormed to the top of the Premier League as they came from behind to beat Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.
Owen Coyle's men - beaten 2-0 by the Gunners on Sunday - took a shock lead after seven minutes through Gary Cahill and Matthew Taylor then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot.
However, Arsene Wenger's young side showed the character of champions to rally before half-time through Tomas Rosicky's strike.
Captain Cesc Fabregas netted a controversial equaliser on 52 minutes, and then Thomas Vermaelen completed the comeback.
Andrey Arshavin netted a fourth to take the Gunners above Chelsea at the top of the table on goals scored, albeit having now played a match more - but nevertheless a scenario which looked so unlikely following a resounding 3-0 home defeat by the Blues at the end of November, which left Arsenal some 11 points adrift.
The Gunners had since won six of their last eight Barclays Premier League matches to haul themselves back into the title race, and it was a bright start by the home side.
After five minutes, Eduardo laid the ball back to Abou Diaby, but his low shot from the edge of the area was straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Arsenal had offered to pay the costs of those travelling Bolton supporters following the postponement of this fixture earlier this month.
Only around 300 hardened Trotters had made the long journey south, perhaps more in hope than expectation.
First touch
But Coyle's side clearly had not read the script as they snatched a shock lead.
Gael Clichy's attempted high clearance from a free-kick failed to make it out of the penalty area. Kevin Davies nodded it back into the six-yard box, where Cahill calmly dispatched his shot past Manuel Almunia.
The Emirates Stadium was left in a stunned silence, apart from the small, but jubilant section in the far corner.
Arsenal, though, slowly built some pressure.
Fabregas forced Jaaskelainen to make a smart save after cutting into the left side of the area.
Eduardo then stopped Diaby's long, cross-field pass with his first touch, before firing a 20-yard drive just over and Arshavin was also just off target.
At the other end, Taylor fired in a free-kick and Almunia had to make a reaction save, low to his right.
It got worse for the home side on 27 minutes when Denilson upended Lee Chung-yong, leaving referee Alan Wiley with little option but to point to the penalty spot.
Taylor squeezed the ball inside the right-hand post via a touch from Almunia to leave Wenger's young side facing yet another test of their character.
Bolton continued to break up Arsenal's passing with a string of fouls.
From a deep free-kick into the box, Kevin Davies flicked the ball backwards up onto the underside of the crossbar, and Jaaskelainen gathered.
Arsenal were level two minutes before the break.
Fabregas won the ball in midfield, and slipped Rosicky away down the right channel.
The Czech Republic midfielder set himself, before driving an angled shot past a static Jaaskelainen, the keeper beaten inside his near post.
Spoil things
Arsenal continued to press at the start of the second half, and equalised in controversial fashion on 52 minutes.
William Gallas appeared to catch Mark Davies on the ankle as the pair went for a 50/50 ball, but play was allowed to continue despite the Bolton protests as their man lay on the ground.
Arshavin battled to the edge of the area, where possession broke to Fabregas and he charged into the box before slipping a low angled drive through the keeper's legs.
There was a delay as Davies finally received treatment, and eventually had to be taken off on a stretcher, replaced by Gavin McCann.
Arsenal continued to press, with Fabregas' 20-yard drive tipped over.
The comeback was complete on 65 minutes as centre-back Vermaelen fired home after Diaby had knocked down a corner.
Davies flashed a shot across the Arsenal goal as Bolton threatened to spoil things again.
Arsenal, though, got the crucial fourth goal after 85 minutes, when Eduardo played in Arshavin, who made no mistake and could even afford to miss a one-on-one during stoppage time.
Scorer: Cahill (6)
Scorer: Taylor (27 pen.)
Scorer: Rosicky (43)
Scorer: Fabregas (52)
Scorer: Vermaelen (64)
Scorer: Arshavin (85)
Attendance: 59,084 FT (21:45)
Arsenal stormed to the top of the Premier League as they came from behind to beat Bolton at the Emirates Stadium.
Owen Coyle's men - beaten 2-0 by the Gunners on Sunday - took a shock lead after seven minutes through Gary Cahill and Matthew Taylor then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot.
However, Arsene Wenger's young side showed the character of champions to rally before half-time through Tomas Rosicky's strike.
Captain Cesc Fabregas netted a controversial equaliser on 52 minutes, and then Thomas Vermaelen completed the comeback.
Andrey Arshavin netted a fourth to take the Gunners above Chelsea at the top of the table on goals scored, albeit having now played a match more - but nevertheless a scenario which looked so unlikely following a resounding 3-0 home defeat by the Blues at the end of November, which left Arsenal some 11 points adrift.
The Gunners had since won six of their last eight Barclays Premier League matches to haul themselves back into the title race, and it was a bright start by the home side.
After five minutes, Eduardo laid the ball back to Abou Diaby, but his low shot from the edge of the area was straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Arsenal had offered to pay the costs of those travelling Bolton supporters following the postponement of this fixture earlier this month.
Only around 300 hardened Trotters had made the long journey south, perhaps more in hope than expectation.
First touch
But Coyle's side clearly had not read the script as they snatched a shock lead.
Gael Clichy's attempted high clearance from a free-kick failed to make it out of the penalty area. Kevin Davies nodded it back into the six-yard box, where Cahill calmly dispatched his shot past Manuel Almunia.
The Emirates Stadium was left in a stunned silence, apart from the small, but jubilant section in the far corner.
Arsenal, though, slowly built some pressure.
Fabregas forced Jaaskelainen to make a smart save after cutting into the left side of the area.
Eduardo then stopped Diaby's long, cross-field pass with his first touch, before firing a 20-yard drive just over and Arshavin was also just off target.
At the other end, Taylor fired in a free-kick and Almunia had to make a reaction save, low to his right.
It got worse for the home side on 27 minutes when Denilson upended Lee Chung-yong, leaving referee Alan Wiley with little option but to point to the penalty spot.
Taylor squeezed the ball inside the right-hand post via a touch from Almunia to leave Wenger's young side facing yet another test of their character.
Bolton continued to break up Arsenal's passing with a string of fouls.
From a deep free-kick into the box, Kevin Davies flicked the ball backwards up onto the underside of the crossbar, and Jaaskelainen gathered.
Arsenal were level two minutes before the break.
Fabregas won the ball in midfield, and slipped Rosicky away down the right channel.
The Czech Republic midfielder set himself, before driving an angled shot past a static Jaaskelainen, the keeper beaten inside his near post.
Spoil things
Arsenal continued to press at the start of the second half, and equalised in controversial fashion on 52 minutes.
William Gallas appeared to catch Mark Davies on the ankle as the pair went for a 50/50 ball, but play was allowed to continue despite the Bolton protests as their man lay on the ground.
Arshavin battled to the edge of the area, where possession broke to Fabregas and he charged into the box before slipping a low angled drive through the keeper's legs.
There was a delay as Davies finally received treatment, and eventually had to be taken off on a stretcher, replaced by Gavin McCann.
Arsenal continued to press, with Fabregas' 20-yard drive tipped over.
The comeback was complete on 65 minutes as centre-back Vermaelen fired home after Diaby had knocked down a corner.
Davies flashed a shot across the Arsenal goal as Bolton threatened to spoil things again.
Arsenal, though, got the crucial fourth goal after 85 minutes, when Eduardo played in Arshavin, who made no mistake and could even afford to miss a one-on-one during stoppage time.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wenger's injury frustration
Despite having a number of players sidelined this season, Arsenal would go level with Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League with victory over Bolton Wanderers in Wednesday night's fixture.
Wenger is starting to see some of his injured players return with captain Cesc Fabregas back on Saturday from a three-week lay-off, while Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Denilson are close to fitness.
same players
However, the manager was dealt a setback with both Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri picking up injuries in training and Fran Merida hurt an ankle against Bolton at the weekend.
A frustrated Wenger said: "We have analysed absolutely everything.
"It is strange because the more injuries you get, you then seem to get even more because you always play the same players.
"Also, you rush some players back and then you have more chance to get them injured again."
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