Top of the table

By: travis | September 22nd, 2008

Yes, it’s hardly something to get overly excited about (although I love this kind of enthusiasm). But good times call for celebration, even through just five games of the season, as Arsenal sits on top, one point ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool. The biggest point of triumph is the elimination of the dropped points at Fulham. Back to back wins on the road, albeit against two weaker sides, is something to be optimistic about, especially at the Reebok, where winning hasn’t come easy for Arsenal in the past.

On to the actual game itself. Conceding first, wasn’t a good sign, as Gallas’ marking on Bolton’s corner kick allowed Kevin Davies to easily head in past Almunia. If that wasn’t bad enough, it seemed like Toure and Gallas ran into each other on the play. Despite going down, it only looked like a matter of time before something would give. It almost did on three different occasions, as Adebayor and Song both hit the post, and a low Toure shot just going wide. Debates about Adebayor finishing chances can go here later.

It was an unlikely source that opened the scoring as Emmanuel Eboue was fortunate to not be flagged for offside, as Nicklas Bendtner played a through ball that perhaps was destined for Adebayor, but he let it run straight to Eboue who slotted it home near post. Bendtner would get his just 60 seconds later. A beautiful passing sequence from Fabregas and Denilson found the Dane streaking towards the net, and he mustered enough of a touch on it to direct the ball in the net.

There was a bit of a scare before halftime, when a rash challenge from Kevin Davies ended Gael Clichy’s day. It was a nervy moment, but scans showed no signs of a break or fracture. Johan Djourou came on in replacement, and had a decent go of it in the second half. Fingers crossed that Clichy will be recovered in time for next week, as Armand Traore is out on a season long loan. When Mikael Silvestre returns from injury, depth will improve.

Things weren’t wrapped up til late, as both sides came close. Alex Song forced a good save out of Jussi Jääskeläinen. Quite a mouthful of a name, but fair play to the Bolton keeper for keeping the scoreline a bit more modest. It was Denilson that finally cracked him in the 87th minute, finishing off a move started by another long run by Theo Walcott, who came on for Bendtner, found Adebayor on the right, who in turn found Denilson all the way across the front of the goal to ice the win.

Wenger was pleased with the result, and says that more is on the way as some injured players return. What’s encouraging is to think that Robin Van Persie was given a rest, and the likes of Rosicky, Eduardo, Nasri, Silvestre, and Diaby all on the mend and returning to the squad at some point this year. Will it be enough to make a strong challenge for the title? I think so.

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Carling Cup preview tomorrow. Thoughts on the game are welcome below.