Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal - Player Ratings

Last updated : 04 December 2005 By Mike Bohndiek

There was nothing to take from this game; there was no energy, no commitment, no will to win, and no pride in the team. We really would have been better off putting the Carling Cup side out – at least they have the hunger.

I thought things couldn't get much worse than Bolton away last year, how wrong I was! Individual errors all over the pitch from our most reliable players gave us a poor foundation, and we couldn't build on it at all.

Henry hitting the post in each half was about all the travelling Arsenal fans had to get excited about, but those who were there will tell you that you just knew we were never getting back into it. The passion was lost in the stands, as it was on the pitch. I and a few others I know who normally sing for the full ninety just gave up in the second half; there was a lack of will. Bolton have out played us and out muscled us.

To top the day off, the car park at Bolton changed the exit for away fans meaning that we took over an hour to get back to the motorway which is under a mile from the ground!

If I never see the Reebok again, it will be too soon.

Jens Lehmann (6) He was the busiest of the two keepers, and could do nothing with either goal.

Pascal Cygan (4) His passing and positioning was all over the place. I can't believe Wenger is still keeping faith with him!

Sol Campbell (5) Short range passing was poor, and he allowed players to go past him too easily.

Kolo Toure (5) His long range passing was well off the mark.

Lauren (5) A average first half display, but an awful second half performance.

Robert Pires (4) He didn't even look like he wanted the ball.

Gilberto (3) The worst performance he has ever given in an Arsenal shirt with some ease. He couldn't make a pass, or a tackle. He got knocked off the ball and was entirely to blame for their second goal. Normally a rock, but today simply awful.

Cesc Fabregas (5) Muscled out of the game by a physical Bolton midfield.

Freddie Ljungberg (5) Couldn't get past his man.

Robin Van Persie (5) Ran for lost causes, but couldn't get into the game. I was confused when he was taken off though.

Thierry Henry (5) He didn't look like he wanted to be there. Not the inspirational captain's performance that we needed.

Subs:

Dennis Bergkamp (5) Gave away stupid free kicks.

Jose Reyes (4) Barely touched the ball, and his head was down from the moment he came on.

Emmanuel Eboue (5) Gave the ball away in dangerous areas.