Justice done.. Van Persie would have completed the job

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bolton at Highbury on Saturday.

Bolton started well and could have conceivably been 2-0 before they scored in the 12th minute, Kevin Nolan lobbing home after the ball had ricocheted into his path following Senderos' unfortunate clearance.

That chance typified what Arsenal themselves lacked on the day. The ball to drop in the right place for someone to finish it and a killer instinct.

Bolton were solid and frustrated Arsenal in the first half.

Faye could have been sent off for a crude challenge on Reyes which ended the Spaniards involvement but equally Flamini was a little reckless and could have been punished.

Pires came on for Reyes and looked quite lively.

Bolton didn't offer much in attack after their opening 20 minute salvo but also restricted Arsenal to very few chances themselves. Davies causing an aerial threat and Bolton working hard and being tactically aware.

Gardner and Nolan also particularly impressive.

Arsenal lacked invention and width and it took them until after Nolan had struck to get back into the game. Gilberto quiet and Diaby not providing an effective enough link between defence and midfield as Bolton closed down space well.

Half-time came and Arsenal needed to regroup.

Diaby, who hadn't done a lot wrong, was replaced by Ljungberg who provided some much needed width and Fabregas moved into the centre.

Arsenal seemed to come out more determind and dominated the second half. Bolton offered little more than pumping balls into the channels, time wasting, spoiling tactics and utter desperation to hold on to a 1-0 win.

Arsenal created several decent chances after dominating possession and it would have been ideal for Van Persie. Countless times we had the ball 20-25 yards from goal and Bolton sat off us, instead of banging a shot in we tried to thread a killer pass or play a one-two, which was over hit, deflected or intercepted.

What is wrong with having a shot? Van Persie is one of the few Arsenal players to attenpt to score regularly from the edge of the box. I am convinced if he had played on Saturday we would have won.

Is it a sign of fallen expectations that a draw at home to Bolton is not that bad a result? Sometimes I think we are in such a crisis that we just look at the performance over the result to make sure we are going the right way. So an improved second half display and late late goal means I take some positives from the game.

There would have been a time when we would have been more concerned by the lacklustre first half. But it appears those times have gone.

Toure and Eboue add some experience to the back 4 now they have returned and they will be needed at Anfield. If we can get a result there it could give us a much needed boost in confidence.

It is still in our own hands and I am sure we will get 4th place, let's hope we can start pushing on towards it tomorrow night.