You only have to watch our games against lesser opposition, ie just about everyone, to see how we pick up so many injuries.

It's not as obvious at first maybe, but the skill with which Bolton managed to foul our players both on and off the ball suggests they could be quite good if they put as much effort into actually playing football. Let's face it, when you have kicked and barged your opponents and it still hasn't worked, then kneeling on their neck and pulling their hair is the obvious next step.

Fortunately not only did Arsenal not retaliate (Rosicky apart), but it didn't put us off playing our game. Some of the passing and movement was a joy to behold. I thought playing Eduardo in the centre was always a better option than Arshavin, and I think this game proved it. OK, Eddy didn't score himself, but along with two assists, he made a right nuisance of himself and kept their defence busy leaving room for others to run into spaces.

Cesc was Cesc and is continuing to show just what a talent he is. World-class is overused, but it fits in this case. If he can avoid the cloggers for the rest of the season, he can lift some silverware by the end. Not only does he find space where there is none, play others in when he has no right to be able to, but the whole team lift their game when he is playing. We are not as some have suggested simply a one-man team, but we lose a lot when he doesn't play.

As for others, I thought Diaby again played well, a little more subdued than he has been, but mostly pretty tidy, and seems to be enjoying his football and importantly has learnt to tackle. I'm glad Clichy is back, Traore is a decent enough player, but his positioning at times is woeful. Hopefully something that can be learnt though. Arshavin looked best when he was running at defenders and it seems to me that his movement doesn't always work with others, but when it does, it's pretty damn good. In that regard I though he worked pretty well with Eduardo, Rosicky and Cesc on the whole.

Merida is obviously someone with talent. What's more being kicked soon after coming on didn't stop him from scoring, and a well taken goal it was too. I'm still not sure where he fits in should we ever get the majority of our midfield fit at the same time, but maybe that's the point. Strength in depth has been a problem for us in the past.

Whilst it's true that we could have conceded on a number of occasions, we didn't. And in some part that was due to Almunia not having a rush of blood to the head at any point. I'm not sure if it's the first time he has worn that kit, but it's gotta be better than the awful grey one he was wearing. After all, a goalie has to feel good about himself as well.

Will Theo ever get a consistent run and be the player we think he is? Well he's due back for the next game, let's hope it's yet another start which doesn't quickly turn into frustration as he picks up another 'mystery' injury. Like so many Gooners I badly want him to succeed at the highest level, for our good and his. Here's hoping.