Bolton 0 Arsenal 2:Arsenal stayed hot on the heels of champions Manchester United and leaders Chelsea with a comfortable win at Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League with captain Cesc Fabregas again providing the inspiration.
Fabregas scored the opener and played a big part in Fran Merida's first Premier League goal as Arsenal moved to 45 points with United, who have played a game more, on 47 and Chelsea on 48 after they both enjoyed convincing victories on Saturday.
In Owen Coyle’s first game in charge, the home side began full of intent and ruffled the visitors in the early stages at the Reebok Stadium with Ivan Klasnic having a goal chalked off for offside.
Fabregas had a decent penalty claim turned down when he went down under challenge from Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Spaniard was at the heart of all Arsenal's best moments and it was no surprise when he gave his side the lead.
There seemed no way through a forest of bodies in the 28th minute but after a spot of pinball on the edge of the area Fabregas combined brilliantly with Eduardo before drilling a low shot into the corner of the goal.
Bolton always looked capable of replying and should have done so after the break when Matt Taylor fired wildly over the bar after being played in by Klasnic.
Arsenal sealed the points with 12 minutes remaining. Fabregas made a surging run towards the Bolton area and the ball was eventually played across goal by Eduardo where Merida pounded from close range.