By Ian Grant

Bolton 1 Arsenal 0 [FA Cup Fourth Round]

For the third game running in a week, a ball between Campbell and Senderos from a North West team was the route to a goal – this time Stelios, a seemingly permanent Greek thorn in Arsenal’s side, dived to head past Almunia.

But Arsenal had a sort of moral victory here, certainly matching Bolton physically – and up until the goal, on 84 – looked the more threatening, which is some achievement given Bolton had around eight internationals on view – and Arsenal’s average age was around 22.

In the gym (which is a walkable distance from Highbury) this morning, the mood among Gooners was one of expecting a defeat. One Gooner even pinpointed Stelios as a match-winner. Arsenal, after all haven’t scored away since Boxing Day at Charlton.

The African influence, or lack of it, played a big part in this match. It wasn’t long ago there were no African players in the Premiership – now seven are away from the two squads. Amazing. The influence of the sub-continent will, no doubt continue to grow, along with the influence of the African Nations Cup.

Next it will be: “My Africans are better than your Africans.” Although Bolton had four missing, the loss of Toure and his speed and awareness in the centre is proving pivotal.

Ljungberg was the key player in Arsenal’s line up – joining van Persie in attack whenever he could – and dropping back to help the midfield of Hleb, Diaby, Flamini and Reyes, when needed. He had a good game injecting some dynamism into Arsenal’s challenges, which rubbed off on the younger players.

Arsenal’s rookie defence of Gilbert, Djourou and Senderos (left back) was marshalled by Sol Campbell. Almunia looked on.

Bolton have 16 different nationalities in their squad. They had the Mexican Borgetti leading the line, supported by Davies and Stelios, with Nolan, Nakata and Campo pulling strings in midfield. A back line of O’Brien, Ben Haim, N’Gotty and Gardner, showed that Bolton may have a stronger squad than Arsenal’s this season.

The first half had a Wigan away vibe to it – a toothless attack and holding job in midfield with one or two scares in defence as Bolton tried their traditional tactics – get it out wide in the channels and then straight into the area and fight for second ball..

Diaby, who looks like he’ll score more goals than Vieira, had an early chance from a corner, in the second minute, but it went over.

Reyes was booked for not retreating on 7.. He is an influential player but for someone who is a bit of a hit or miss player – that’s dangerous and it can be counter-productive for the team.

Campo, who was the most influential player in the first half, sent in a dangerous cross which bounced off Gibert and Alumnia and away. He then set up a Borgetti header, but Almunia saved easily.

Van Persie sent a free kick wide on 15 minutes.

Nakata had a shot saved. Reyes’ shot from 35 yards was also comfortably saved. Diaby miscued a shot badly on 35.

Davies, who is a sneaky player, (he tried to get Diaby dismissed in the second half) jumped with a leading knee injuring Djourou.

Diaby showed good control with an accurate shot on 41, which was deflected.

He then cut it back for Hleb in the area who passed to Reyes who blasted well over – summing up the half, in many ways.

But, at least Arsenal had successfully muted the Bolton attack, unlike the seniors in the league game.

That Diaby moment

At the start of the second half, Diaby flew in with a dangerous challenge – a la Vieira in his wilder moments, on Campo. Certainly it was a yellow for foot raised. But it was an important moment. It showed Arsenal could give like for like and trade punches; it could have swung the psychological edge Arsenal’s way. And it removed the opposition’s most influential player – he hobbled off five minutes later with a badly gashed ankle.

Davies was booked for a cynical foul on van Persie.

Senderos then made an idiotic challenge for a ball going nowhere, for a yellow. And allowed substitute vaz Te a clear run but wayward shot on goal.

Nolan elbowed Diaby in the face.

Arsenal seemed to get the upper hand in all this physicality. On 62, Reyes passed to Ljungberg who crossed to van Perise who hit the bar with a looping header.

Then van Persie turned and shot into the side-netting and looked much more dangerous than in the first.

Then van Persie and Ljungberg linked up, with the Swede’s shot being tipped over by Bolton’s Finnish goalkeeper, Jaaskleainen.

Sol Campbell grazed the bar in a goal-mouth scramble.

Martin Keown’s influence was seen when hands went up in unison for an offside [and probably for the increased bite in the challenge].

But it was a messed up offside attempt which cost them the game. The Arsenal defence was more-or-less in a line when Gardner sent the ball in from a Davies lay-off. Campbell didn't come out with the others, distracted by Nolan's run. Campbell was waving for extra cover, as Stelios ran between the Arsenal captain and Senderos and dived on to the cross.

Ljungberg had a big influence in this match – chasing lost causes and putting his foot in. He switched further forward in the second, linking the midfield with the attack and brought van Persie into the game much more.

Five Arsenal players were booked – showing the physical commitment not there on some previous Reebok occasions. They had more possession, more shots on target [6:3] and more corners.

Although it was the year of the Titanic disaster when Arsenal last lost an FA Cup tie at Bolton (1912), this defeat didn’t have a disaster vibe written all over it. In fact the performance of some of the youngsters – notably Gilbert, Djourou, Diaby and van Persie gives some reasons to be cheerful.

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