Bolton 2-3 Arsenal

Mar 30 2008

ARSENE WENGER rated the comeback at Bolton as the best in his time in charge at Arsenal. His side came from 2-0 down, having had a man sent off, to win 3-2 and re-ignite their faltering league title bid.

Victory lifted the Gunners back into second, two points above Chelsea who play tomorrow, and ended a run of five matches without a win which appeared to have derailed their challenge.

Wenger said: "I can't remember a better comeback than that - to be 2-0 down, with 10 men and win 3-2 with just half an hour to go is a great credit to the team.

"In the first half we didn't play badly but everything went against us. Not only was their first shot on target a goal but we had a player sent off and just before we go to half-time they score a second one which was a big blow."

The Gunners looked dead and buried at halftime, trailing 2-0 to 10 men.

Matthew Taylor had headed in Gretar Steinsson's right-wing cross in the 14th minute before Abou Diaby was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Icelandic right-back Steinsson.

When Taylor's 42nd-minute shot deflected off William Gallas and past Manuel Almunia it appeared the Gunners' six-year wait for a win at the Reebok would continue. However, Arsenal - inspired by Mathieu Flamini - sparked into life after the 60th minute introduction of leading goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor.

The unmarked Gallas poked home a corner before Robin van Persie equalised from the penalty spot.

Seconds from full-time, Alexander Hleb's run and cross from the left was deflected across the six-yard area then took another, crucial, touch off Jlloyd Samuel to roll into the net.

Bolton boss Gary Megson criticised his players for "falling apart". He said "I don't feel unlucky and angry isn't the right word."