EPL: Bolton Vs. Arsenal

So can we finally say Arsenal is out of the title race? I think we can. The title has been United's to lose for a couple of weeks at least, and this result really does take Arsenal out. Chelsea has the only shot now, and that's an outside shot at best. They'll need to be perfect and get some help from United.

For the most part, this match was typical Arsenal, in more ways than one. They dominated possession, they got chances, but didn't take them. Plus, both Bolton goals came from corners, which blatantly exposed The Gunners' lack of commanding defenders.

From the opening of the match Walcott and Nasri were all over for Arsenal, buzzing around the Bolton D and creating chances. Fabregas took a couple of shots as well, but couldn't find the target. Bolton sat back, absorbed the pressure, and looked for their chances. They had a few real good ones. In the 14th, Wanderers countered with an extra man forward and looked good, but the chance was ended by the offside flag. They had another great chance off the break in the 24th, but sabotaged themselves by making one too many passes.

Things finally came full circle for Bolton in the 38th. They put a corner into the box and the Gunners just looked confused. Anyway, one shot was rebounded off Nasri, but Sturridge got a hold of it and put it in the back of the net, giving Bolton a 1-0 lead, which held up to the half.

Bolton had a chance to ice it right off the bat in the second half, and this time it was Wanderers who didn't take advantage of a gifted chance. In the 46th minute, Sturridge went down in the box, and a PK was awarded. This was one of the softest PKs I've seen given, but given it was. Then Davies lined up and took the penalty, and it was about the worst PK I've ever seen taken. Szczesny could have had a tea party in goal and still stopped it EASILY. Huge mistake for Bolton.

Just a minute later, Arsenal made them pay. Robin van Persie spotted up a shot from the top of the 18 and drilled it into the back of the net and tied the score at 1-1. Still Arsenal knew they needed all three points, and they pressed for it. However, Bolton got the last laugh as Tamir Cohen scored yet another goal off a corner in the 90th minute to give Bolton a 2-1 lead, which was the full time result.

Wenger looked utterly dejected after the match. Yet another monumental collapse by Arsenal. Maybe he should listen to outside advice for a change and get some commanding central defenders. He probably won't though. He'll just think he's misunderstood and that next year will be the year. Yeah right.