Arsenal maintained their push for the Barclays Premier League title with a 2-0 win away to Bolton Wanderers. Goals from Spanish midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida helped leave the third-placed Gunners just three points behind leaders and London rivals Chelsea after Owen Coyle's first match as Bolton manager ended in defeat.

Arsenal took the lead at the Reebok Stadium in typically attractive style in the 28th minute when Fabregas played a rapid one-two with Eduardo on the edge of the box before shooting into the far corner. Matt Taylor had chances to equalise for Bolton, who remain in the relegation zone, and his failure to score was punished when Eduardo's cross was helped on by Bolton's Zat Knight and Merida, following a clever touch, scored with a precise shot from eight yards out.