SOCCER/Bolton 0; Arsenal 2: Winning the championship in Alex Ferguson's own backyard will appeal to the devilish side of Arsene Wenger and a week tomorrow that chance will come.

Squatting defiantly at the top after an accomplished victory that takes them five points clear, all Arsenal now need is a draw at Old Trafford to wrench the title from Manchester United's grasp.

The repercussions of an Arsenal performance, combining equal measures of poise and purpose and capped by fine goals from Freddie Ljungberg and Sylvain Wiltord, will cut through the North-west like an ice wind.

Firstly, Liverpool's remote hopes were extinguished once and for all. Of greater significance, however, is the fact that even if Ferguson's players inflict Arsenal's first away defeat the leaders can rectify the situation by taking a point or more against Everton at Highbury in their final game.

Suddenly, one of the most claustrophobic title races for years looks a foregone conclusion.

Who can say they do not deserve it? At times, Arsenal have seduced us with their sense of adventure and beguiling forward play.

Yet, on a blustery, rain-swept night, confronted by a Bolton side buoyed by having retained top-flight status for the first time in 23 years, this was as much an examination of their conviction.

Such tests have been passed with distinction all season. Mental strength is clearly not lacking within Wenger's dressing room.

They have scored in every one of their Premiership games and 36 minutes into another absorbing display, Ljungberg's predatory instincts, combined with the enduring brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp, ensured that distinguished record was kept going.

Almost eight weeks since Bergkamp scored that goal at Newcastle, the Dutchman has grown accustomed to people asking how it was possible.

Similarly, last night it seemed to defy logic how, surrounded by a posse of defenders, he had the vision and touch to caress a deft ball through the melee, with the outside of his right boot, for Ljungberg to drill in his sixth goal in as many games.

Bolton were crestfallen. Towards the middle stages of the first half Sam Allardyce's team had actually threatened to add another twist to the run-in.

Indeed, had Rod Wallace not dithered on the ball after 20 minutes, when a quick pass for Youri Djorkaeff would have left him with an open goal, the night could have taken an entirely different complexion.

How Ferguson will squirm when he watches that moment replayed.

Ljungberg's goal eased any lingering Arsenal nerves and, eight minutes later, Bergkamp's picked out Wiltord's run.

Typically, the Dutchman's ball was measured and, running clear towards goal, the Frenchman kept his nerve to slip the ball beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Inevitably, the tight hamstring that meant Thierry Henry stayed on the bench deprived Arsenal of their most potent attacking threat.

Yet, Wiltord might have had a second when his pace took him clear of Bolton's defence just after the interval only to see his shot squirm under Jaaskelainen's body and trickle against a post before being cleared by Gudni Bergsson.

His profligacy could be excused. Arsenal were so rarely troubled in the final exchanges, barring a Kevin Nolan header that David Seaman tipped over and the same player striking a post five minutes from time, that Wenger could afford to substitute Bergkamp.

Deservingly, he was afforded a standing ovation by the travelling contingent among Bolton's best-ever attendance, 27,351, at the Reebok.

Bergkamp has played his part in Arsenal's second coming under Wenger, and their embrace spoke volumes.

"It was a difficult game," the Dutchman said. "We knew it would be difficult.

"We only have to draw at Old Trafford, but, of course, it is going to be quite hard to play them.

"But we look forward to the match when it comes, and for now the next match is the cup final."

An air of inevitability has descended over the title race and there is little Manchester United can do about it.

BOLTON: Jaaskelainen, N'Gotty, Bergsson, Charlton, Barness, Frandsen, Nolan, Farrelly, Wallace (Johnson 62), Bobic (Ricketts 56), Djorkaeff. Subs Not Used: Poole, Holdsworth, Konstantinidis.

ARSENAL: Seaman, Lauren, Keown, Adams, Cole, Ljungberg, Edu (Dixon 67), Vieira, Parlour, Bergkamp (Kanu 70), Wiltord (Campbell 90). Subs Not Used: Henry, Wright. Goals: Ljungberg 36, Wiltord 44.

Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).