Bolton 0 Arsenal 2

The Premier League game between Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday Jan 17, 2009.

Cesc Fabregas's dynamic display on his return from injury spoiled new Bolton manager Owen Coyle's 'homecoming' at the Reebok Stadium.

The Arsenal captain, who missed three matches with a hamstring injury, scored his 10th league goal of the season in the 28th minute after a neat one-two with Eduardo. His surging run then led to substitute Fran Merida scoring the second 12 minutes from time as former Wanderers player Coyle's reign got off to a losing start.

Arsenal's victory, which saw then soak up plenty of pressure from a struggling Bolton side trying to play their way out of trouble, lifted them to within three points of league leaders Chelsea.

With these two teams due to meet in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arsène Wenger's side could well take over at the top in the next few days.

The Gunners, unbeaten in the league since the end of November, owed everything to their inspirational captain, who, even though his influence faded in the second half, was instrumental in the win.

The paucity of resources available to the Bolton boss was evident by the fact he named exactly the same starting XI and bench as predecessor Gary Megson had done in his final game – the 2-2 league draw with Hull on December 29.

Arsenal, with Fabregas at the heart of everything, had struggled to create a clear opportunity until they took the lead in the 28th minute.

Gretar Steinsson slipped on the edge of the penalty area to hand possession to Fabregas and the Spain international capitalised, quickly exchanging passes with Eduardo before slotting a low shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen's outstretched right hand. Arsenal's 19-year-old midfielder Craig Eastmond, making his first league start, almost doubled the lead four minutes later with a first-time shot from Fabregas' corner, which Jaaskelainen saved on the line with his legs.

Fabregas had been quieter after the break but, when he did take control again, it set up the second goal 12 minutes from time.

His surging run into the penalty area allowed Eduardo to cross to the far post where Merida sidefooted home to clinch victory.