Arsenal’s unbeaten run since the quartet of defeats that spanned November and December has been like a tightrope walk. Amongst this sequence of eight matches have been those against Liverpool, Burnley, West Ham and Everton. Somehow, the team have remained undefeated and no matter how they did it, the fact they have is something that can be built on, and hopefully make future wins slightly less stressful for their supporters.

Arsenal needed to win this game. Chelsea and Manchester United seem to be back to their old ways of winning matches they would be expected to. Yet, the history of games between the two teams that met at the Reebok indicated the visitors would have the more difficult task, to say nothing of the ‘impress the new boss’ factor. But the bottom line is that Bolton are in the relegation zone and the Gunners need to take six points from teams in such a position if they have serious aspirations to finish top of the pile.

Both sides created plenty of dangerous opportunities. Ultimately, the visitors’ greater composure in front of goal determined the game. The contrast in Arsenal’s play going forward, compared with the home draw with Everton, was notable. No co-incidence that Fabregas and Rosicky returned to the starting line-up in this light. Both helped the team attack more purposefully. Eduardo played the role of the spearhead of the attack, allowing Arshavin to play in a position more suited to his talents.

Craig Eastmond’s selection was a huge surprise, and although he might not have played the perfect match, he was generally tidy, no nonsense, and did the job creditably. In fact so much so, that for the remainder of Song’s absence, I think I’d put him in ahead of Denilson, who seems to get caught in possession and play more dodgy passes in spite of his relative experience. Possibly the manager took him off because he felt his concentration levels were flagging a little, as he lost the ball in a dangerous area shortly before he was replaced by Merida. What can be said about Eastmond is that this was an exception, as he rarely did things that led to danger, although that charge could easily be levelled at others, such as Diaby and Traore.

If Arsenal can beat Bolton at home on Wednesday, they will be level on points with the leaders Chelsea. Win convincingly and they will be the leaders themselves on goal difference. It is an incredible achievement given the number of injuries the club have suffered and the impression that they seem so vulnerable in defence. Certainly, the rarity of clean sheets and the club’s standing in the table almost defies logic. Whoever won the title with a dodgy defence? Maybe the game is changing.

The quartet of Premier League matches that determine Arsene Wenger’s priorities for the remainder of the season begin in ten days’ time at Villa Park. Two wins against Bolton and Stoke would set the team up wonderfully well for those key fixtures. Wenger is on a one man mission to prove the doubters – many of them Arsenal fans such as myself – that this collection of players are winners, and that his way can be successful. I sincerely hope he is smiling broadly at the end of the season. A little more of the good fortune the side enjoyed at the Reebok would do no harm in this respect. The three points garnered yesterday might prove very significant. Let’s hope that’s the case.

Keep winning the games home and away against the bottom ten and the points tally will continue to stack up. Arsenal drew a lot of games in the spring of 2008. Draws that cost them 12 points and ultimately the title. Ideally, they will have learned a great deal from that experience. Wouldn’t do any harm to sign a couple of players with experience of their own though!