Bolton vs Arsenal Player Ratings

In a game that started like it might have had four goals by halftime, as the game wore on, a nil-nil draw was the inevitable result. Squandered chances, more so from Arsenal's point of view, mean that these two teams rightly shared the points which will leave Owen Coyle as the much happier of the two managers no doubt.

Bolton

Adam Bogdan-6- This fiery ginger will be thanking his lucky stars that he kept his clean sheet. But he came out well to save Walcott when he should have scored early on, and could only watch and hope as Van Persie's chip came off his crossbar.

Zat Knight -5- Left most of the heavy lifting to his partner in central defense, and was caught out by incisive through balls a couple of times. Got away with it.

David Wheater-8- Apart from the odd nervy clearance, Wheater was a rock. He was all over the place and bailed out his fullbacks for their poor positioning, and even got himself forward into the Arsenal half.

Sam Ricketts-4- It was never going to be a fair fight in terms of pace, but Ricketts was lucky that Arsenal weren't more clinical in finishing all their moves which came down his left-hand side.

Gretar Steinsonn-5.5- Fell victim to a few of Oxlaide-Chamberlain's tricks, and allowed Vermaalen in behind to get his crosses in, but did well to stay on his feet after earning a cheap yellow card.

Fabrice Muamba-5- Allowed far too much space for Arteta to operate, not one of his better games.

Nigel Reo-Coker-7.5- Outstanding barnstorming performance from the hyphenated former England U21 captain. He covered plenty of ground and was at the heart of Bolton's more promising attacks.

Mark Davies-6.5- Found himself in promising positions but couldn't convert. Shamelessly dove to earn Vermaalen a ludicrous yellow.

Martin Petrov-4- A real Bulgarian stinker of a performance. Maybe that is why they were depicted as a toilet in this work of art.

Chris Eagles-5.5- Tracked back well, but didn't provide his usual incisive passing and crosses.

David Ngog-5- What we've come to expect from the near-miss man.

Subs
Pratley- 3 minutes?
Davies- usually gives arsenal fits, why didn't he start?
Tuncay- washed up

Arsenal

Wojiech Sczcesny-5.5- Not the most competent with the ball at his feet the young Pole. Nervy moments.

Laurent Koscielny-5.5- Didn't have all that much to do, but this wasn't one of his better games in what has been a fine season.

Per Mertersacker-4.5- He is arguably adapting, but I remain unconvinced that he's cut out for the pace of England.

Bacary Sagna-7.5- Launched himself into a challenge in the first 2 minutes to announce his return. Arsenal's defense are ten times less vulnerable with him at right back, and this performance was a small positive to take for Wenger.

Thomas Vermaalen-8- If you asked him to play right winger, I bet he'd do a decent job at that as well. The Verminator is Wenger's best buy in recent memory.

Mikel Arteta-7- Looked like he might be bullied out by Muamba early, but really dictated the tempo and flow of the game. Another smart signing.

Aaron Ramsey-4.5- It's hard to stay patient with the youngster after he keeps failing to deliver. Wenger has made up his mind that he is going to let the Welshman learn on the fly, only the results aren't quite on par with what Arsenal fans saw from Wilshire last year.

Theo Walcott-5- Speaking of frustration, there is so much to like about Walcott that you have to rate him. But he's like that pretty girl that just a bit out of your league, how many times does she have to break your heart before you move on?

Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain-8- Theo who?

Robin Van Persie-9- He deserved to score with his delightful chip with his weak foot, and his set piece delivery was outstanding all night. But this game was always going to be 0-0...

Subs
Henry- Washed up I'm afraid.
Rosicky- Should be starting over Ramsey, but look to the future Arsenal fans, the future!

Bolton Verdict- They seem to have recovered from their horrendous start, and certainly have the players to stay up. Reo-Coker and Wheater were spectacular, and Mark Davies looks a decent young talent.

Arsenal Verdict- It's become a familiar refrain, and it'll go down as another agonizing opportunity missed to pick up valuable points for fourth place which neither Liverpool, Chelsea, nor Arsenal really seem to want to take control of.