Arsenal 4 - 1 Bolton Full Time.
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: Saturday, 11 September
Kick-off: 1500 BST
A fixture that once pitted purists against pugilists is now a meeting of two sides with an ethos to entertain.
The fluid style for which Arsenal are renowned also serving Bolton well this season as they evolve under manager Owen Coyle. Both clubs have made unbeaten starts, putting them on a far more even footing than when they last met.
Bolton were second bottom when they lost twice in three days against Arsenal in January. Those were Coyle's first matches in charge, with Bolton 2-0 up in a rearranged league game at the Emirates before succumbing 4-2.
That victory put Arsenal top of the table but the game was overshadowed by controversy after a reckless challenge by William Gallas on Mark Davies went unpunished; referee Alan Wiley allowed play to continue and Arsenal equalised. Coyle described the tackle as "akin to assault", and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger was moved to apologise.
Wenger has attacked Bolton's style of play in the past, accusing them of kicking Arsenal out of the title race in 2003. Any damage inflicted on the Gunners this weekend is more likely to be purely psychological.
Arsenal
Injured: Bendtner (groin), Frimpong (knee), Ramsey (broken leg), van Persie & Walcott (both ankle), Vermaelen (Achilles)
Bolton
Suspended: Jaaskelainen (three matches)
Doubtful: Klasnic (thigh) Injured: Davis (knee)
Head-to-head
• Arsenal have won their last eight league and cup games against Bolton.
• Wanderers last beat Arsenal in November 2006, when Nicolas Anelka scored twice in a 3-1 home victory.
• Owen Coyle has enjoyed victory over Arsenal as both a Bolton player and Burnley manager.
Arsenal
• The Gunners are unbeaten in their last eight home league matches since losing 3-1 to Manchester United in January.
• They have not conceded in their last five home league matches. It is eight hours and 10 minutes since Burnley's David Nugent scored the last goal by a visiting side at the Emirates.
• Arsenal need three goals to tally 1,000 in the Premier League under Arsene Wenger. They have had 30 shots on goal this season - more than any other club.
• Jack Wilshere scored once in 14 league games on loan at Bolton in the second half of last season.
Bolton
• Bolton are unbeaten in their opening three matches for the first time in nine years. If they avoid defeat at the Emirates they will equal their longest unbeaten start to a Premier League season, set in 2001.
• They are on a bizarre scoring sequence, having either scored at least twice (seven times) or failed to score (seven times) in their last 14 league games.
• Gary Cahill will make his 150th English league appearance. Last Friday he became the first Bolton player to feature in a competitive game for England since Tommy Banks at the 1958 World Cup.
• Bolton and Newcastle are the only two Premier League sides to name the same starting line-up in their first three games this season.
Information from BBC Sport.
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