Player Ratings: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Arsenal

Brilliant first-half save to deny Fabregas at full stretch but could do nothing to stop Van Persie's strike.

Dealt well with the threat of Nasri, showing good strength and defensive awareness to never let the Frenchman get away from him. Also proved he can attack with a an excellent cross for Davies.

The central defender's size meant Arsenal found it hard to play through or over him - but he did switch off on occasions as the Gunners' midfielders made forward runs.

Beaten for pace by Walcott on more than one occasion by fully committed throughout and made some brave challenges.

The South Korean showed he is a classy player but it didn't quite come off for him. Over-indulged in the first-half as he tried to play a fancy flick to Taylor rather than shot at goal and then missed excellent chance from close range.

Strong and powerful in midfield as he covered ground to break up Arsenal's passing game. Replaced by Mark Davies 19 minutes from time.

Offered natural width on the left side and sweet left-footed strike forced Szczesny into action. Looked to help out in defence when possible, but perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty for early challenge on Walcott in which he seemed to get little of the ball.

The Swede looked uncomfortable early on as he played in an unfamiliar right-back role. Improved as the game went on, using the ball well and working hard. Went through on goal late on but powerful shot was saved by Szczesny.

Class act throughout the game and deserved his goal as he nodded Bolton into the lead from close range. Caused all sorts of problems with his trickery and vision, setting up a superb chance for Lee and winning the penalty just after the break.

As ever, a handful to deal with and a dangerous option for Bolton, but his 47th minute penalty was extremely poor, tamely struck straight at Szczesny.

Another highly accomplished display from the Polish goalkeeper. Penalty save with his legs will be the highlight but was solid throughout - stayed big in the first-half to deny Lee and great diving stop to keep out Elmander.

Looked comfortable defensively against Taylor and got forward when possible to support Arsenal attacks. Should have done better on occasions when in the final third.

The Swiss defender coped well with the power and aerial threat of Davies but was undone by Sturridge's trickery as he conceded a penalty.

Always seemed to be at full stretch - but then he was able to get something on the ball. Good anticipation of the play and generally managed to handle Bolton's physicality.

Looked fired up for the task as he rattled in to challenges and won the ball well. Lacked subtlety in his play and was replaced by Chamakh in the 65th minute.

Back at the Reebok following his loan spell last season, he was always in control of the ball and looking to make telling passes. Tired in the second-half and was replaced by Ramsey late on.

The Arsenal captain was at the hub of his side's attacking play and it was no surprised he produced the assist for Van Persie. Constantly made forward runs to try and drive the Gunners towards the Bolton goal, forcing one excellent save from Jaaskelainen and also hitting the post from long range.

By no means a poor performance from the Frenchman, but he looked out of sorts. Kept the ball well but never really got the better of Bolton defender's in one-on-one situations. Wasted a glorious chance to put Arsenal 2-1 as he smashed straight at Jaaskelainen on the volley and then saw rebound cleared off the line.

Electric pace was an early threat for the visitors and he could have won a penalty before setting up Fabregas for a good chance. Influence waned as Bolton defended deeper, denying him space to run into.

Brilliant link-up play with Fabregas and even better shot from the edge of the box to equalise. Tried to make something happen for the Gunners and put Nasri through with perfectly placed ball over the top.